The Water Bears

By: Kim Baker

Narrated by: Ozzie Rodriguez

"With warmth and humor, Kim Baker conjures a magical tale of finding the most elusive creature of all: one's true self." --Kirby Larson, author of the New York Times bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Hattie Big Sky and the Audacity Jones series

A quirky, empowering story about a boy recovering from a bear attack with the help of his friends and maybe, some magic. For fans of Lemons by Melissa Savage, Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones, and The Canning Season by Polly Horvath.

Newt Gomez has a thing with bears. Last year he survived a bear attack. And this year, he finds an unusual bear statue that just might grant wishes. Newt's best friend, Ethan, notices a wishbone on the statue and decides to make a wish. When it comes true, Newt thinks it's a coincidence. Even as more people wish on the bear and their wishes come true, Newt is not convinced.

But Newt has a wish too: while he loves his home on eccentric Murphy Island, he wants to go to middle school on the mainland, where his warm extended family lives. There, he's not the only Latinx kid, he won't have to drive the former taco truck--a gift from his parents--and he won't have to perform in the talent show. Most importantly, on the mainland, he never has bad dreams about the attack. Newt is almost ready to make a secret wish when everything changes.

Tackling themes of survival and self-acceptance, Newt's story illuminates the magic in our world, where reality is often uncertain but always full of salvageable wonders.

Critic reviews

★ “Both a whimsy-soaked journey of self-discovery and a successful exploration of the tough reality of recovering from trauma.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Baker contrasts Newt’s everyday life and quiet desperation with his unusual surroundings and quirky neighbors. . . . [A] subtle, satisfying read." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“This is a sweet coming-of-age novel about a boy trying to overcome his fear and pain with the help of a loving, supportive family.” —School Library Journal

"Newt’s Latinx heritage is a key part of his identity and woven throughout the story, and the book’s exploration of friendship and loyalty is thoughtful and authentic." —The Horn Book

“A captivating story that creatively blends the wonder and excitement of potential magic with the life challenges that each character must face. A joy to read!” —Christina Diaz Gonzalez, author of the award-winning The Red Umbrella and the Moving Target series

“Is there magic on Murphy Island: a monster in the lake, a bear that grants wishes? The Water Bears is a magical story with wonderful characters set in a most unusual place.” —Patricia Reilly Giff, author of the Newbery Honor winners Lily’s Crossing and Pictures of Hollis Woods

“Like a lucky charm or a cup of warm cocoa, this book wraps the reader in hope and offers comfort in the face of change. A sincere exploration of recovery and growth.” —Anna Meriano, author of the Love Sugar Magic series

“Kim Baker sees the world I live in clearly: the beauty and the hard things, the complications, and the magic. Most of all, she sees our connections. A magical, honest look at life’s messy wonder. Highly recommended.” —Kelly Jones, author of the Unusual Chickens series and Sauerkraut

“The Water Bears brims with enchantment, from the maybe-magic of a wish-granting bear to the tried-and-true, real-world magic of family, friendship, and community.” —Kate Messner, author of Chirp and The Seventh Wish

I wish I could double up on the 5 star limit!

I love this story of overcoming trauma, of quirky people, of magic, kind of. It’s funny and sad at the same time. It’s a reflection of what really goes on in people’s hearts.
I fell in love with Newton, ‘Newt’ for short, the middle school age hero. He brought back some good childhood memories of my own, and new insights of what it means to be human, to be loved, and to love in return.
Newt is Hispanic, a culture that’s seldom represented in children’s literature. Young readers who see themselves in media as belonging to society are much more likely to feel a part of it. They’re more likely to succeed.
As a teacher, I frequently immerse myself in books for children. They are often touchstones for the most important things in life. The Water Bears is definitely one of those special books that will live on for a very long time. It’s destined to be a classic and one I’d recommend for anyone, child or adult.
Ozzie Rodriguez is the perfect reader!

Listened To It Twice!

THIS IS RELEVANT TO MY INTERESTS. The story has magical realism, a quirky island/town, interesting main and secondary characters, and GOATS. It's also well-written, and the audio narration is fantastic. I can't wait to read/listen to the author's next book!