For a child passionate about animals and making a difference, this graphic novel shares the inspiring true story of a young conservationist saving a sun bear.
A parent should reach for this book when their child is passionate about animals and wants to feel empowered to make a difference. Based on the author's true story, this stunning graphic novel follows Chang, a young Vietnamese conservationist who rescues an orphaned sun bear cub named Sorya. The story chronicles their deep bond as Chang nurses Sorya back to health and prepares her for a life back in the wild. It gently introduces the serious topic of animal poaching while focusing on the inspiring themes of empathy, perseverance, and the positive impact one dedicated person can have. Ideal for ages 8 to 12, it's a perfect choice to inspire a budding activist and open conversations about conservation.
The book's central conflict stems from the illegal wildlife trade and animal cruelty. Sorya is orphaned because her mother was killed by poachers. This is handled directly but not graphically; the violence happens off-page. The book shows animals in distress and in cages at the rescue center. The approach is secular, focused on scientific conservation efforts. The resolution is hopeful, as Sorya is successfully released, but also realistic, acknowledging the ongoing threat of poaching and the bittersweet nature of Chang's goodbye.
Ideal Reader
An 8-12 year old who is a passionate animal lover and budding environmentalist. This reader may feel a sense of frustration or helplessness about global issues like endangerment and wants to see a relatable young person taking concrete, powerful action. It's for the child who dreams of being the next Jane Goodall.
Parent Prep
Parents should be ready to discuss poaching. Scenes showing Sorya in a small cage and the discovery of poacher's traps might be mildly upsetting for sensitive readers. The fact that Sorya's mother was killed is central to the plot and a good conversation point. The book includes nonfiction backmatter about sun bears and conservation that provides excellent context. The parent's child has just expressed deep sadness or anger after learning about an environmental issue like poaching or deforestation. The child asks, "But what can I even do? I'm just a kid." This book provides an inspiring, actionable answer.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will connect with the heartwarming story of a girl and her bear, focusing on the friendship and adventure. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the scientific process of animal rehabilitation, the ethical complexities of conservation, and Chang's role as a determined, knowledgeable young scientist making personal sacrifices for her work.
What Makes It Special
This book's primary differentiator is that it is a true story featuring a young, female, Vietnamese conservationist as the hero. It offers a much-needed non-Western perspective on conservation. The format as a graphic novel with breathtaking, expressive watercolor art makes a complex, nonfiction topic incredibly accessible, beautiful, and emotionally resonant.
Read plot summary
This graphic novel memoir follows Chang, a young Vietnamese conservationist who discovers Sorya, an orphaned sun bear cub. The cub's mother was a victim of illegal poaching. Chang works at a rescue center, nurturing Sorya and teaching her the skills she will need to survive in the wild. The story focuses on their bond and the difficult, multi-step process of reintroducing a rescued animal to its natural habitat, including the dangers posed by poachers who are still active in the area.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Chang forms a very strong bond with Sorya, but her goal is to release her back into the wild. Why was it so important for Sorya to be free, even if it was a sad goodbye for Chang?
2
The book shows that poachers are a major threat to sun bears. Why do you think people illegally hunt animals? What could be done to address the root causes of poaching?
3
In the story, Chang faces many setbacks and has to be very patient while preparing Sorya for the wild. What personal strengths did Chang need to succeed in her mission?
4
The art by Jeet Zdung is a huge part of the story. Pick a page with no words. What is happening in the scene, and what emotions do the pictures make you feel?
