Fletcher, Susan. 
JOURNEY OF THE PALE BEAR
New York : Margaret K. McElderry, 2018
IL 5-8
ISBN: 978-1534420779

(2 booktalks)

Booktalk #1

In this riveting adventure set in the 13th century, 12-year-old Arthur – in hopes of claiming an inheritance in Wales – sets out from Norway on a ship bringing a polar bear as a gift from the Norwegian King Haakon to England’s King Henry. Though the bear terrorizes the crew, Arthur forms a bond with it. A wonderful coming-of-age story based on the true tale of a polar bear who lived in London’s Tower Menagerie.   (Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award 2019 - 2020)

Booktalk #2

Based on the real story of a polar bear that lived in the Tower of London, this timeless adventure story is also a touching account of the bond between a boy and a bear.

Arthur, who ran away from home, steals food, and his punishment is being shoved in a cage with a polar bear.  Strangely, the bear does not attack him.  Arthur is given the job of caring for the bear, a gift from the King of Norway to the King of England.  Arthur sails with the bear to England, a trip full of dangers. (Oklahoma Sequoyah Book Awards, 2020)