Moon Bear
When twelve-year-old Tam is sent to work at a bear farm in the city, he has never felt so alone. He hates seeing the cruel way the bears are treated, but speaking up will mean losing his job. And if he can’t send money home, how will his family survive? When a sick cub arrives at the farm, Tam secretly nurses it back to health and they develop an unbreakable bond. Tam swears to return his beloved cub to the wild, but how will they ever find a way to be free?
When a sick cub arrives at the farm, Tam secretly nurses it back to health and they develop an unbreakable bond. Tam swears to return his beloved cub to the wild, but how will they ever find a way to be free?
Reading notes:
Awards:
Winner: German Environmental Prize for Children’s Literature. German title (Die Spur des Mondbären)
Shortlist and Nominations: Little Rebels Award 2014, Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2013, Southampton’s Favourite Book Award 2014, Tower Hamlets Book Award 2014, Kirkus starred review
Reviews:
‘Lewis cements her position as a major children’s writer with a powerful new wildlife novel about the South-East Asian bear trade. Highly recommended.‘ ― Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
‘There is sufficient Laotian history and culture woven in to provide an authentic, intriguing setting, along with just the right measure of suspense.’ ― Kirkus reviews
‘Gill Lewis’ eye-opening account of bear farming is utterly chilling.’
― Julia Eccleshare, The Guardian
‘Moon Bear by Gill Lewis is a moving story about a boy and a bear in captivity in Laos. It shows how ideas of freedom are relative to one another, particularly nature and mankind, the city and the jungle.’ ― Jon Walter, WRD magazine
‘It’s rare when an exploration of so many important social issues is accomplished in such an entertaining and moving manner.’ ― Chris Brandon Whitaker, Kidliterati
Where to buy
Please consider supporting your local independent bookshop by ordering your copy there. If you prefer to buy online, copies are also available from Waterstones and Amazon.
© Gill Lewis