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“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

The Water Bears

Written by Kim Baker
Published by Wendy Lamb Books

Newt Gomez has a thing with bears. Having survived a bear attack last year, he now finds an unusual bear statue. Newt’s best friend thinks the statue grants wishes. But even as more people wish on the bear and their wishes come true, Newt is not a believer.

But Newt has a wish too: while he loves his home on eccentric Murphy Island, he wants to go to middle school on the mainland, where his warm extended family lives. There, he’s not the only Latinx kid, and he won’t have to drive the former taco truck—a gift from his parents—or perform in the talent show. Most importantly, on the mainland, he never has bad dreams about the attack. Newt is almost ready to make a secret wish when everything changes.

Tackling themes of survival and self-acceptance, Newt’s story illuminates the magic in our world, where reality is often uncertain but always full of salvageable wonders.

Primary ISBN: 9781984852205
Publication Date: April 2020
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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