Dumon Tak, B. (2008). Soldier bear. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Age Range: 8 – 12 years
Grade Level: 4- 6
Response
I do not usually enjoy reading war-time stories, however, Soldier Bear was a pleasant combination of mischief, humor, and the sobering consequences of war. The story, which is based on true events, takes place during WWII and follows a group of Polish soldiers as they travel south from Poland, through the Middle East, and then to Europe to join forces in the fight against Germany. What sets this story apart from other WWII narratives? Well, the soldiers purchase a bear-cub while they are in the Middle East, and the reader has the pleasure of seeing how the bear is raised by the soldiers, gets them in trouble, gets them out of trouble, and how the bear becomes an honored soldier in his own right.
Critique
Soldier Bear is an appropriate novel to introduce the history of WWII without being too graphic or focused on the violence. Students will appreciate the likableness of Voytek the bear and the other animal characters in the story. It is enjoyable to read a novel where a bear is one of the main characters in a realistic presentation rather than in a fantasy- style where the bear has thoughts or dialogue for the reader. The soldiers do become the voice for Voytek and usually make accurate predictions on what the bear is thinking. The character dynamics are also interesting throughout the novel because they change, develop, and strengthen in unpredictable ways; including the dynamic between the animals.
Lesson Idea
After reading Soldier Bear, I think students should integrate the reading with researching history. Students will conduct research in groups of three to find additional information on Polish soldiers, the routes they traveled in the novel, Syrian brown bears, and the history of Voytek(Wojtek). Each group will present their findings to the class in a digital presentation.
Students will also complete a character dynamic activity. They will select two characters, then compare how the two characters interacted throughout the novel, how their relationship changed or grew, and details of the specific events when the characters interacted.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think the soldiers decided to buy and raise Voytek the bear? Would you have taken the bear?
- What were the negative and positive affects of the war on the soldiers and Voytek?
- How did all of the soldiers and animals get along? What about the other soldiers and staff on the bases?
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RH.6-8.7
Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.3
Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Resources
Publisher’s Study Guide: Lesson Ideas
Activity Village: Information on Voytek
Trisha's University Blog 