Pocket Bear
By Katherine Applegate
Children's Fiction
Recommended for Ages 7–12
This is a fantastic tale of kindness and bravery. It combines lessons on World War I with a wonderful "Toy Story” like narrative. It also includes a fun history of teddy bears. A Pocket Bear was created to be a tiny token of comfort carried by soldiers in WW1. His eyes were sewn a bit higher, so he always gazed upwards when placed in a soldier's pocket. He was meant to be a good luck charm.
In this story, Pocket Bear serves as the leader of stuffed toys who are given a second chance to be loved. There is something deeply moving about giving forgotten things a second chance. He takes on this role with his friend Zephyrina the cat, who narrates most of the story. The cat happens to find a very old teddy bear in the dumpster. This teddy bear could be worth a lot of money and Pocket Bear realizes this. Together they navigate what to do about it. It could be worth the kind of money that could change a life.
This book is recommended for those who love tales with heart and history. The ending is great and it ties everything together in a way that feels emotionally satisfying.
Reviewed by Michelle Zimostrad
Butman-Fish Library
