“A lovely little miracle of a book.” –Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan “[A] large-hearted and riveting medieval adventure.” –William Alexander, National Book Award-winning author of Goblin Secrets “A breathtaking adventure.” –Kirby Larson, Newbery HonorÂ-winning author of Hattie Big Sky A runaway boy befriends a polar bear that’s being transported … A runaway boy befriends a polar bear that’s being transported from Norway to London in this “stupendous coming-of-age tale stuffed with adventure” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
The polar bear is a royal bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England. The first time Arthur encounters the bear, she terrifies him. Yet, strangely, she doesn’t harm him–though she has attacked anyone else who comes near. So Arthur finds himself taking care of a polar bear on a ship to England.
Tasked with feeding and cleaning up after the bear, Arthur’s fears slowly lessen as he begins to feel a connection to this bear, who like him, has been cut off from her family. But the journey holds many dangers, and Arthur knows his own freedom–perhaps even his life–depends on keeping the bear from harm. When pirates attack, Arthur must make a choice–does he do everything he can to save himself, or does he help the bear to find freedom?
Based on the real story of a polar bear that lived in the Tower of London, this timeless adventure story thoughtfully looks at the themes of freedom, captivity, and the bond between a boy and a bear.
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Wow! Just wow! This book was so gripping–when I got to the last page and the story ended, I kept reading the author’s bio and the acknowledgements because I didn’t want the book to end.
(Fun fact: the acknowledgements in this book are really interesting because they tell about the true story of the pale bear and 1252 London. This is truly historical fiction that makes you feel like you are right there. Amazing!)
The changing relationship between Arthur (or “Dung Boy” as the bully of the story calls him) and the bear are the beautiful heart of this book. This story stand on its own, but I can’t help wondering if there will be another book about Arthur because he’s such a great character.
Note: It’s not for the youngest readers because there’s a big battle scene and there are a few scenes where the bear is injured. It’s not a story about fighters. It’s about friends and freedom and hope.
What an adventure I just had! From the moment, I opened the book, I was transported to the 13th century traveling with Arthur and his charge. The King of Norway has gifted the King of England a “pale” bear and Arthur has been chosen to sail as her keeper, since his presence seems to calm her. The story is based on a few real historical clues, but the author brings the story to life with her eloquent descriptions, gripping details, and wonderful characters. This is a fantastic read for young historical fiction and adventure readers. I highly recommend.
Oh, what a beautiful escape it is to read Journey of the Pale Bear. From the first few pages, readers are transported to a far-away place and time where they will stay enthralled, entrenched, and utterly enchanted. I am amazed that author Susan Fletcher took a fleck of a fact, a mere morsel from history, and then wove an entire and entirely feasible tale around it. Her research (shared in “A Note from the Author”) and her drive to find answers is impressive.
Susan Fletcher is a gifted storyteller whose lyrical sentences flow across the pages and into the reader’s soul. Fletcher has taken great care to select words and sentence structures that put readers firmly in the thirteenth century. Admittedly, I occasionally referenced the dictionary to confirm definitions of unfamiliar words, but the word choices are part of what contribute to the authenticity of the story. In this modern world of pared-down, dumbed-down communication, it’s refreshing when an author challenges young (and old) readers with vocabulary yet provides enough context clues that the words only enhance the story. Fletcher has raised the bar.
All of those glorious words are what reading Journey of the Pale Bear a truly sensory experience. Fletcher’s descriptive details – of everything from breathtaking landscape to breath-halting bear dung – provide for an immersive experience. (Like it or not!) Readers will be able to see the sea, feel the fur, taste the meals, hear the surf, and yes, smell the odors of sailing with man and bear on a thirteenth century ship. Again, the author’s talent shines in her evocative writing.
“She makes a sound, then: a low, rumbling sigh that tunnels up from the heart of the earth.”
And then, there is the boy and the bear. I say “is” because “the boy and the bear” are a singular unit, whether together or separated by walls or wilderness. And it is this relationship that is the joy of the story. The bond is unexplained, organic, and beautiful. While we don’t know the bear’s thoughts – this is realistic historical fiction – we sense that she and Arthur are like-minded in the overwhelming sense of not belonging and longing for a freedom that’s likely not within reach.
There are other relationships as well, and not all of them are beautiful. Arthur experiences isolation and bullying and rejection and yearns for acceptance and love and belonging. There are some heavy themes underlying the adventures, but again, they lend an air of authenticity to the story, and while some readers might identify with Arthur’s experiences and feelings, hopefully all readers will empathize or sympathize.
Journey of the Pale Bear begins with a revealing prologue, set ten years after the rest of the story, so readers know (ah, but they don’t, really) how the journey ends. This is middle grade genius. The information given helps young (and old) readers feel less anxious about the bear’s and the boy’s fates as the story progresses. There are plenty of unexpected and pulse-pounding events that happen so while the prologue is a soothing spoiler of sorts, it also closes the circle that would otherwise be left open with the ending. It is perfect.
One a side note, as I read the book, I could perfectly envision students anxiously awaiting a read-aloud installment from a teacher or librarian. The book has so much potential as a springboard for all kinds of lessons. And I would LOVE for this book to be produced in audio format. It would be a whole different kind of glorious.