What a phenomenal read. It was a great story and I fell in love with the characters even though I hadn't read the first one yet. I recommend starting at the beginning so that you feel more of the emotion of certain aspects of this adventure and revisiting characters from the first book in this series. It is probably best for older children or young teens, but I really appreciated it as an adult and was able to finish it quickly. This book is uniquely indigenous in its storytelling, and brings such a fun fantasy perspective to the children's real life experiences. It addresses bullying in a unique and brave way.
I received a free copy for my review, but that didn't influence this perspective. ( )

In exchange for a copy of the book, I am offering my honest review. This fantasy novel is a sequel and likely, because of its suspenseful ending, at least part of a trilogy. It is listed as Book Two of the Misewa Saga. The Great Bear is inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia and follows the adventures of two indigenous foster children (Eli and Morgan) who travel through a portal to another time. The plot includes sad details such as the bullying that Eli undergoes at school and the emotional turmoil that Morgan faces when given her birth mother's contact information. Are these sad details the motive for some in the Indigenous community of Durham District School Board to try to ban the book? Fortunately, the ban was overturned. A useful and much appreciated glossary/pronunciation guide helps the reader navigate the words written in Swampy Cree. A map helps any reader visualize the adventures that lay ahead as Eli and Morgan travel back to a time when a rampaging bear is young. Anthropomorphism also aids any reader to feel a kinship with the animal friends encountered. While the book is pitched at a young, YA crowd, (readers from grade 3 to 6) it can be appreciated throughout the elementary school grades. David A. Robertson who also wrote the children's book, "When We Were Alone" writes with devotion to make Indigenous children visible in the world of children's literature and for this reason alone I would highly recommend this book! It is a good read and thank goodness the book banning is over! *** ( )

This is the second book of a trilogy. I didn't think the writing was so strong in this story, but I do really enjoy the world that the author has created, and I like the characters. The dialogue was a little clunky at times and the plot was kind of cheesy, but I enjoyed it all the same and the set-up for book three made me curious enough to read that one when it comes out. All in all this is a fun series for kids who like fantasy and adventure. ( )

This is book 2 in the Misewa Saga. I highly recommend reading the first book so that you are not lost as you read the second one. In this book, Eli and Morgan are dealing with issues like bullying and family struggles. They are back from their adventure, but their problems are far from over. When they return to Misewa, they experience time travel, they meet new friends, and once again help a village in trouble. Can they be as successful when they return to our world and the problems they face there? ( )

Robertson writes like a plotter (as opposed to a pantser) which means I'm not in love with his prose but he's done something very clever here and made me fall in love with his plotting. Bring on book three!

Also: I cannot understand why the DDSB banned this (briefly). There's just nothing objectionable or risqué in the tale (at least, not any more than other books for this target audience). ( )