The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club by Alex Bell - ESSENTIAL

The Polar Bear Explorers’ Club by Alex Bell, illustrated by Tomislav Tomic, 300 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2017. $18

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Stella’s uncle is an official explorer, but he can’t take Stella on any expeditions because girls are not allowed. Stella’s uncle finally gives in and brings her on a journey to explore the coldest spot on the earth. On the journey, she is separated from the group with three other young explorers. Together they survive the cold and have a series of wild adventures together.

This is my favorite book of the year so far. Stella is smart and spunky and brave. But beyond that, she is kind. She helps draw together others who struggle to make friends, whether that be due to shyness or rudeness. The book includes humor and fantasy, as well as traditional adventure elements.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher