The Bear by Claire Cameron

A family of four, two adults and two small children are on a camping trip on a remote island.  Anna, the five-year-old wakes up in the middle of the night to the screams of her mother.  The parents were attacked by a black bear. While her mother lay dying, Anna is encouraged to take her brother and paddle away from the island in the canoe. The children learn to fend for themselves in the wilderness braving a storm, hunger and loneliness.

The story is told from the perspective of Anna.  Well-written, the reader is drawn to the desperation of the young girl. Seeing things through the eyes of a young person helps us to understand the resilience of the human spirit. The reader begins to  hope with every breath that they will be rescued in a timely fashion.

The second book for this author.  Her first was entitled The Line Painter.  I do not think it will be her last.

Ladybookbug!