Dreaming the Bear

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 16, 2017

Review

Darcy, a teenage girl, moves with her family from England to Yellowstone National Park. Her father is a naturalist and her mother is working on her PhD. Darcy misses her friends and her life back home. She has not been well since she arrived. Darcy is prescribed walking to build up her lungs. One day Darcy comes upon an injured hibernating mother bear in the woods. Darcy curls up next to the bear. This novel is told from Darcy's point of view including a difficult to explain out of body dreamlike point of view. Darcy and the bear have an almost spiritual relationship. The plot moves quickly between the actual story and the dreamlike point of view. This unique book explores family relationships and the reality of animals in the wilderness. I recommend this to upper level middle school and high school readers looking for a thoughtful journey.

Overall Book Score: very good