Happy Monday! Today, I am going to be sharing a review of the middle grade novel Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate!

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Book: Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

Genre: Middle Grade Non-Magical Fantasy

Blurb:

Thimble-born from tip to toe, Pocket Bear remembers every moment of his “becoming”: the glimmering needle, the silken thread, the tender hands as each careful stitch brought him closer to himself. Born during the throes of WWI, he was designed to fit into the pocket of a soldier’s jacket, eyes sewn a bit higher than normal so that he always gazed upward. That way, glancing at his pocket, a soldier would see an endearing token of love from someone back home, and, hopefully, a good luck charm.

Now, over a century later, Pocket serves as unofficial mayor of Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, where stuffed toy animals are refurbished and given a fresh opportunity to be loved. He and his best feline friend Zephyrina, known far and wide as “The Cat Burglar,” have seen it all, and then some.

An unforgettable tale of bravery, loyalty, and kindness, Pocket Bear reminds us all that love comes in many forms (sometimes filled with fluff), and that second chances are always possible. (cover and blurb from Goodreads)

My Rating: 4.5 stars

Recommended Age: 8+

My Review:

My Overall Thoughts: What a sweet story! Ever since reading Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan many years ago, I have read and enjoyed many of her works, and this one probably tops the list of my favorites of hers! I enjoyed the real history woven into the story, the lyrical writing, and the excellent themes. It reminded me a lot of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. Definitely recommended for middle grade readers!

Plot: The plot is centered around Zephyrina, a cat, finding a stuffed teddy bear and bringing it to her home at the Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured, headed by Pocket Bear, a hand-sewn mascot bear from WW1. The plot moves at a good pace, and there is an interesting blend of current events and character backstory. There were some twists at the end that kept things interesting, too.

Characters: I loved the characters! Zephyrina was a really fun narrator and I think was a perfect characterization of a cat, haha. Pocket Bear was so sweet and wise, always thinking of others and a great leader, and Berwon was really sweet, too. Even though we didn’t see as much of the other stuffed animals, the bit we did see was fun. And of course we can’t forget the human characters, Elizaveta and Dasha. I thought the perspective of them being refugees from Ukraine was a good addition to the story, and I especially loved Dasha’s tender heart and care for others.

Writing Style: I loved the writing! Katherine Applegate is a master of writing middle grade fiction. Her prose is so lyrical and filled with a lot of good vocabulary. I also liked the short chapters (generally 2 or 3 pages each, no more than 6). I think that would be great for struggling or reluctant readers.

Themes: The themes were amazing! This story was all about love and second chances, and these themes were woven naturally into the story. I enjoyed reading as some of the characters received a second chance for the first time, or as they learned how to love others and let themselves be loved.

Content Notes: Toys and animals talk and move (think like in Toy Story), but it is shown as a normal part of their world, not magical. Zephyrina, the cat, makes a few comments about her “favorite vices” (lying, gluttony, sloth) and calls herself “Kleptocat” as she steals toys (though they are ones that have already been thrown away/abandoned, and her owners fix up the toys and find new homes for them). A few instances of bathroom humor. Some discussion of war and grief.

I think this book would be an excellent pick for middle grade readers! Have you read any good books lately? Let me know in the comments below! I will be back next Monday with a discussion of some of my favorite books I read as a child!