The Last Bear
by Hannah Gold
HarperCollins Children's Books 2022
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- environmentalism and climate change
- courage
- empathy and compassion
- grief and healing
- family and parent-child relationships
- activism
- wilderness survival
About this book
When 11-year-old April travels with her scientist father to a remote Arctic outpost on Bear Island, she doesn’t expect to find any polar bears—until she discovers a lone, starving bear who isn’t supposed to be there. As April secretly gains the bear’s trust, she becomes determined to help him find a way home. This moving, atmospheric story blends adventure with a powerful message about caring for our planet. Ideal for ages 8–12 who love animal stories, heartfelt friendships, and stories about making a difference.
Setting: remote Bear Island in the Arctic Circle, present day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Bear right for my child?
Yes — The Last Bear is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, environmentalism and climate change, courage.
How long does it take to read The Last Bear?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Last Bear takes around 3.8h to finish. The book has 38,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Last Bear have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Last Bear has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Last Bear?
The Last Bear has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.