The Water Bears

Gr 4-7--Newt Gomez lives on a remote island and worries about bears because one swam out last year and attacked him. Now the almost 13-year-old has bear-related post-traumatic stress disorder: bad dreams, cold sweats, fear of bear-like noises. He wants to live with his abuela on the mainland, where he won't be the only Latinx kid in town. But things keep getting in his way: a mysterious new friend who happens to be a girl, a best buddy who won't give up on him, and a washed-up wooden bear that just might grant wishes. Newt doesn't believe in the bear's power--but will he try its magic in order to get what he wants? Of course, that would mean figuring out what he really wants. This is a sweet coming-of-age novel about a boy trying to overcome his fear and pain with the help of a loving, supportive family. Newt's conviction that things will be better somewhere, anywhere, else is a typical response to trauma, but he eventually learns to face the pain. It's unfortunate that the titular water bears, though a minor theme in the book, don't have much to do with Newt's path to healing. VERDICT Recommended, although this may require hand-selling to more thoughtful readers.--Elizabeth Friend, Wester Middle School, TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Ever since surviving a bear attack that scarred his leg, Mexican-American Newt Gomez, 13, has considered leaving tiny Murphy Island, a resort turned artist community, in hopes that moving to the mainland to stay with his extended family will alleviate his nightmares and give him a fresh start. A carved wooden bear that seems to grant wishes poses an opportunity to change his life, yet Newt is reluctant to believe in magic, despite his best friend's urgings. Instead, Newt gets wrapped up in other matters--preparing for the upcoming talent show; exploring the island with his new friend, Izzy; and driving the decommissioned taco truck his well-meaning parents gave him instead of a bike. But when the bear vanishes, Newt wonders if he's lost his chance at happiness. In a deliberately paced novel with a meandering story line, Baker (Pickle) contrasts Newt's everyday life and quiet desperation with his unusual surroundings and quirky neighbors. The ambiguity of the magical elements--such as the island's resident lake monster, Marvelo, and the wish-granting bear--reflect Newt's emotional uncertainty as he faces his traumas in this subtle, satisfying read. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. (Apr.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

★ "Both a whimsy-soaked journey of self-discovery and a successful exploration of the tough reality of recovering from trauma." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Baker contrasts Newt's everyday life and quiet desperation with his unusual surroundings and quirky neighbors. . . . [A] subtle, satisfying read." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"This is a sweet coming-of-age novel about a boy trying to overcome his fear and pain with the help of a loving, supportive family." —School Library Journal

"Newt's Latinx heritage is a key part of his identity and woven throughout the story, and the book's exploration of friendship and loyalty is thoughtful and authentic." —The Horn Book

"A captivating story that creatively blends the wonder and excitement of potential magic with the life challenges that each character must face. A joy to read!" —Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of the award-winning The Red Umbrella and the Moving Target series

"Is there magic on Murphy Island: a monster in the lake, a bear that grants wishes? The Water Bears is a magical story with wonderful characters set in a most unusual place." —Patricia Reilly Giff, author of the Newbery Honor winners Lily's Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods

"Like a lucky charm or a cup of warm cocoa, this book wraps the reader in hope and offers comfort in the face of change. A sincere exploration of recovery and growth." —Anna Meriano, author of the Love Sugar Magic series

"Kim Baker sees the world I live in clearly: the beauty and the hard things, the complications, and the magic. Most of all, she sees our connections. A magical, honest look at life's messy wonder. Highly recommended." —Kelly Jones, author of the Unusual Chickens series and Sauerkraut

"The Water Bears brims with enchantment, from the maybe-magic of a wish-granting bear to the tried-and-true, real-world magic of family, friendship, and community." —Kate Messner, author of Chirp and The Seventh Wish