The Water Bears by: Kim Baker

The Water Bears by Kim Baker is a heartfelt, gently magical coming-of-age story perfect for middle-grade readers. Thirteen-year-old Newt Gomez is recovering from a traumatic bear attack and trying to figure out where he belongs—on the quirky island he calls home, or somewhere else entirely. When a mysterious bear statue washes ashore, granting wishes to some but not to others, Newt begins to question what he truly wants and what it means to heal, grow, and stay true to yourself.

Full of humor, hope, and just a touch of magic, this story celebrates friendship, resilience, and the strength it takes to stand still when the world expects you to move.