THE LONELIEST POLAR BEAR

The story of a polar bear cub named Nora reveals the complex relationship among humans, animals, and the world we share.

Polar bears have long symbolized the “wild north,” a habitat that has steadily eroded due to global warming—and which is currently in critical danger. As Oregonian reporter Williams shows, polar bears have “become the sad-eyed face of climate change…represent[ing] the damage humans have done to the earth.” In this eye-opening book, the author brings us deeply into the life of Nora, who was raised by a group of compassionate human “moms” after being abandoned by her mother in captivity at the Columbus Zoo. Few readers will be able to resist the charms of this feisty and strong-willed cub. Of course, writes Williams, that is exactly the point: Big, lovable animals like polar bears are adorable ambassadors for their species and habitats, and by connecting them with humans, it gives the public a reason to care about their welfare. However, this interplay touches on two major conflicts, the causes and effects of climate change and the role of zoos: “Are zoos helping animals or hurting them?” Williams deftly navigates these tricky subjects, chronicling the lives of the Indigenous people inhabiting a melting landscape in the far north and the expert team of animal handlers responsible for Nora’s upbringing. The author weaves these topics together through tales of challenge and triumph, letting the characters and the science demonstrate how much is at stake. Even though the warming planet has little to offer in the way of good news, Williams never loses hope that things can change and that humans can improve their behavior toward animals. “Their stories have power,” he writes of animal ambassadors, a pronouncement that his compelling book bears out.

A well-written tribute to a creature whose struggle to survive is one of many calls to action to save our ailing planet.