What It Is About - FIVE Things You Need to Know:
1. *Can wishes truly come true? This is the question Newt Gomez explores in Kim Baker's new book.
2. *Newt lives on a unique island that isn't quite like the rest of the "real" world.
3. *As he approaches his thirteenth birthday, he tries to put the last year and bear attack behind him. This is easier said than done.
4. *When Newt and his best friend Ethan find a life-sized bear on the island beach, both of their lives will be changed forever.
5. *They realize the bear may "grant" wishes. Each boy approaches the BEAR in their own way and comes to realize what wishes are truly made of.
What I Thought Of It - Five Observations/Reflections:
1. *The wait was worth it. I truly enjoyed the story of Newt, a bear, and a quirky island of locals.
2. *Newt was a fascinating, unique, and special young man. As I read, I could feel his pain from the attack and his last year.
3. *I loved reading about life on the "island" and all the different quirky characters. The introduction of a new "islander" added greatly to Newt's life and his quest to move forward.
4. *There were so many wonderful layers to Newt's story; family, friendship, goals, wishes, and above all acceptance.
5. *The combination of Newt's accident, the finding of a wooden bear, and some water "creatures" made for a fun, rewarding, and wild ride of a read.
Who Should Read It:
I can't wait to put this novel into the hands of my fourth grade readers. I know they are going to eat up Newt's story. I think the story would be best for a fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classroom. Of course strong third grade readers would also enjoy the book. All middle-school classrooms and libraries will want a copy of Kim's newest work of fiction. Happy Reading!
Rating: 4 STARS out of 5 Stars
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