Bear Written by Kiri Lightfoot. Reviewed by Chloe, Age 12

I really enjoyed this book. This book was about a boy who became angry with a lot of people and got into lots of trouble at school. Things at home didn’t help very much either, new chapters of his life was taking place and he didn’t want this to happen. His mum’s boyfriend had moved in (which he doesn’t like) and he hadn’t seen his dad in ages. His goldfish was slowly dying and Jasper couldn’t sleep. All these things were creeping up on him.

Then things got even worse, something was haunting Jasper, something scary and full of hate. A BEAR was drawing nearer and nearer. It took over Jasper and he was really angry all the time. His one and only friend wouldn’t talk to him or even make eye contact. He started speaking to a school therapist after rejecting it every time. This really helped him and it also made him speak his real feelings making him feel less angry and lonely. In the end, he got his friend back, became good mates with his mums boyfriend and felt a lot happier.

I think that this story helps us understand what happens and why things like depression and anger issues appear. But it also tells us that if you ever need any help or support there is always someone around to help you or guide you back into the right direction. I think that this book should be for ages 12+ so that they understand the meaning, as it is quite a deep subject and so that they can help any others that they know! Thank you for letting me read this book.