پسری که صدای خرس ها شد

by Carmen Oliver

As a child, Simon Jackson found navigating the world of the school playground difficult. He felt most at home in the woodlands, learning about and photographing wildlife. As a teenager, he became fascinated with spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear with creamy white fur. These elusive creatures were losing their habitat to deforestation, and Simon knew he had to do something to protect them. He decided he would become the voice for the spirit bears. But first, he would have to find his own.Carmen Oliver's inspiring true story is based on the early life of Simon Jackson, who founded the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition. On his remarkable journey to protect the spirit bears, he met Dr. Jane Goodall and eventually hiked the Great Bear Rainforest --- the home of these elusive animals. Katy Dockrill's captivating art adds depth and beauty to the story. Photos and additional details about Simon Jackson's life and about spirit bears are included in the end matter. Part of the CitizenKid collection, this book demonstrates how one child can be a voice for change. Simon's story is an excellent example of growth mindset at work, highlighting personal growth and overcoming obstacles through activism. This book can also be used to lead discussions about character education as it relates to courage, resilience and perseverance. In addition, it has strong science curriculum links to the environment, animal habitats and the effects of clear-cutting.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Animals, Nature, Nonfiction, Environment, Disability

Unknown Binding

About the author

Carmen’s reading buddy was a yellow duck ride-on toy. Together, they wheeled around her world reading nursery rhymes by Mother Goose, poems from Shel Silverstein, and picture books by Dr. Seuss. With her grandmother, they read her favorite book Sandman’s Stories of Twinkle-Eyes before bed. At night, she dreamt about the mice characters living inside the kitchen pantry and the wily cat Puss that dogged their every move. Story was rooted inside of her and before long she began planting story seeds of her own.


She grew up in southern Manitoba, Canada, surrounded by lakes and prairie grasses. She built tree forts, caught tadpoles, sailed on homemade rafts and concocted mud pies and snow slushies. In high school, she anchored on the TV and radio station and wrote for the school newspaper, but eventually she entered a computer science program at college and began writing as a programmer analyst. In 2000, she married an amazing man and their three beautiful children became her new reading buddies. Inspired by parenthood, she cultivated new stories and nurtured them until they blossomed and produced fruit. Bears Make the Best Reading Buddies is her debut picture book. When she’s not writing, she loves gardening, cheering on her kids from the sidelines and blue-sky days. Carmen lives in Round Rock, TX with her family.

Reviews

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Kids Can Press "Citizen Kid" series, this wonderful true story of a boy with a disability shows how he overcame all obstacles to make a difference in the world.

Simon Jackson had a problem speaking in public because he stuttered. The victim of teasing and bullying, he rarely spoke aloud...until he found out about the plight of the rare spirit bears' shrinking habitat. He made speeches, did fundraising, and started a group of activists interested in helping save this habitat. Through perseverance, hard work, and a little luck, he was able to succeed.

Oliver has penned an inspiring picture book biography that should inspire other youngsters want to become activists, as well. She addresses Jackson's disability with kindness and understanding, explaining what he did so it would not hold him back and how it made him that much stronger. Backmatter includes more detail about Jackson's life, including his continued work in wildlife and nature management. It closes with solid suggestions on what students can do themselves.

Katy Dockrill's artwork is rendered with brush and ink, brushpen and pencil on paper, and colored digitally. The pastel color palette is soothing to the eye and meshes wonderfully with the text.

Use this in ecology and biology classes with students who might be interested in doing a project in activism.

Highly Recommended for grades 3-6.

[Mim_farahani · Rating 4 out of 5]

این کتاب در مورد سایمون و خرس‌هاست :)
سایمون یه پسر دانش‌آموزه که عاشق خرس‌هاست، لکنت زبان چیزیه که سایمون بخاطرش خیلی اذیت میشه و خجالت می‌کشه و باعث شده خیلی گوشه‌گیر باشه. آرزوی سایمون اینه که مثل خرس قهوه‌ای توی پارک ملی یلو استون شجاع باشه.
سایمون بیشتر وقتش رو به مطالعه درباره خرس‌ها می‌پردازه و اونجا متوجه میشه سه گونه نادر از خرس‌ها که "خرس شبح" نام دارن در حال انقراضن و زیست‌گاهشون بخاطر قطع درخت‌ها در حال نابودیه. این میشه که شروع می‌کنه به جستجوی راه‌حل‌هایی برای حل مشکل!

من گذاشتن این کتاب‌ها رو در سبد مطالعاتی بچه‌ها خیلی خوب می‌دونم. کتاب‌هایی که قالب زندگی‌نامه‌ای دارن و بر اساس واقعیت نوشته شدن. این کتاب‌ها زمینه‌ساز گفتگوها و فعالیت‌های پژوهشی و عملی خیلی خوبی میشن برای دانش‌آموزها و خیلی الهام‌بخشن و انتخاب خیلی خوبی هستن برای گروه‌های کتابخوانی با حضور تسهیلگر.

بنظرم این کتاب برای ۸ تا ۱۲ ساله‌ها کتاب خوندنی و جذابیه، البته برای بزرگ‌ترها هم شیرینه.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the true story of Simon Jackson, who raised awareness for the habitats of bears from a very young age, and went on to found the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition to help support the beautiful and elusive Spirit Bears. A touching book about speaking up for what you believe in and doing what you can to save our environment. Your voice truly can make a difference-- Simon's did!

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story that's for sure, but as a book, a bit long and the art is not my style. I respect the messages (both saving bear/protecting nature, and perseverance/believe in your dream) and that's why I give three stars.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of how one child can be a voice for change, overcoming challenges through courage and persistence. Simon saved the spirit bears, met Dr Jane Goodall and started a worldwide organization. Themes include conservation, overcoming personal challenges and making a difference in our world.

[Zahra tavakoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

اثرگذاری این کتاب و بقیه جلدهای این مجموعه برپایه واقعیت بودن آن هاست. این که همه این ماجراها در واقعیت رخ داده است می تواند خیلی برای نوجوان الهام بخش باشد.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Simon was 7 years old, he fell in love with Grizzly bears while on a trip to Yellowstone Park. Then, he saw a news report that deforestation in Alaska as limiting their habitat, and started raising money, writing letters and speaking out for the Bears. When he was 13, he shifted his focus to the rare Spirit Bears, even starting a youth organization to raise awareness and help ensure their survival. All this speaking out was difficult for him, as Simon had a stutter, but he found ways to combat his speech problem and to make a big difference.

A true story about Simon Jackson's conservation efforts, this book can inspire other young people to raise their voices and speak out. Includes a good sized biography giving more detail about his organization and how to get involved yourself. This would be nice to use as a resource when teaching "Touching Spirit Bear" or as part of a conservation unit.

for this and more of my reviews, visit Kiss The Book at https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Linda historia, aunque pensé que tendría más texto. Las ilustraciones me agradaron, eran sencillas pero bonitas. Me hubiera gustado que tuviera un tamaño de letra más grande, porque soy miope y no veía muy bien las palabras.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the inspiring true story of a boy whose dedication to preserving a rare subspecies of bear helped him overcome his stuttering and find his voice. There are great discussion topics here such as young people making a difference, overcoming adversity, and sticking to a goal.

It's also wonderful to see young people, especially young males, modeling saving wildlife and preserving habitats rather than conquering and destroying nature.

[Storytime With Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book to add to the CitizenKid line up, A Voice for the Spirit Bear by Carmen Oliver and Katy Dockerill inspires children to use their voices and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Reminding me of the infamous line by the Lorax from the book of the same name by Dr. Seuss, “I am the Lorax who speaks for the trees.” Well this is the story of Simon who speaks for the bears who don’t have a voice to speak for themselves. Along the way Simon finds his voice and overcomes a stutter and win the respect of people from all over the world.

With climate change and environmental advocacy such important topics now, it is important to have books like A Voice for Spirit Bears to let young people know their voice can make a difference. When it can seem impossible for one person to truly make a different, inspiring books, like the CitizenKid series demonstrate to our young people they have power and their voices can make a difference. One powerful voice can ignite a movement as we have seen time and time again. With all of the bad policy coming from the leaders of today, we can see time and time again, youth rising up and letting their displeasure be known. Young people are advocating for their safety, their education and for the environment and they have books such as these to thank for guiding and inspiring. The big, colourful illustrations by Katy Dockerill bring this non-fiction book to life, introducing us to Simon and the bears he so cherishes. As always, there is a wonderful non-fiction section at the back to teach the reader about the spirit bears and how we can make a difference

[Teresa Grabs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely nonfiction children's book took me back to the summer I worked in Yellowstone National Park. Simon Jackson stutters, and other kids are often unkind, but animals do not care. When an Alaskan forest was at risk for clear-cutting, Simon held a fundraiser to help the brown bears that lived there. That was the start of his journey that ended with him gaining confidence and meeting Jane Goodall as he tried to save the Spirit Bear's habitat from deforestation. 

Oliver's story resonates with those who have ever felt a connection with nature, while Dockrill's illustrations brings his world to them. It doesn't matter if you live in the forest, plains, ocean, or city, the reader is sucked into the world of Jackson's youth and teen years.

Another fabulous offering by Kids Can Press. Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. I cannot wait until I can buy it.

[Christina Dorr]

The impact a single person can have, even a shy, quiet, stuttering child, is immeasurable. Based on the life of Simon Jackson, a Canadian boy who felt more at home in the woods searching for wildlife than being around other kids his age. He turned his writing, speaking, and organizing skills into groups who campaigned successfully for the protection of the habitat of the spirit bears. This story, that allows the reader to feel Simon's fears, trepidation, and determination, is accompanied by spare drawings that use perspective and emotion to further the story. Concludes with additional information about Simon and the bears.

[Dominique *Paperbacks & Frybread* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love to read picture books about real people-especially if I’ve never been introduced to their story before.

That’s the case with this one.

Beautifully illustrated, this book tells the story of a bullied kid turned mighty activist. But there’s so much more to this than just being about a boy who wants to save some animals.

This is a great way to show our children how to overcome bullying and to press on to achieve greatness.

Stunning illustrations make this a book I plan on purchasing a hard copy of.

*thanks to the publisher for an e-copy of this book for review!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy who has a stutter is interested in bears. His parents take him to Yellowstone National Park to observe the grizzly. The boy finds out about Spirit Bears in the Rainforest of South America. The bear is in danger Ed and he becomes obsessed with saving them. He gets the courage to address people in school in order for them to libby the government for funds to protect the rainforest and the spirit bears. His efforts get noticed by famous people and he gets sponsored to go on a research tour with scientists. There he comes close to a bear.

[Mpur Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very impressed with this book. It is a REAL story! But the writer and the illustrator have made it into an amazing story that is applicable for children or people who read this book. I have also read another book from this series. And I am counting on Kids Can Press to publish another books like this. It gives a big impact and a very thought-provoking story.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book.

[Shannon Navin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every now and then I’m asked to review a very simple children’s book that just hits all the right notes! I recently received an ARC of A Voice for the Spirit Bears and it definitely falls into that category.

Targeted to children ages 6 to 9 (though I can see how it would be enjoyable to a broader range: perhaps the 4 to 12 year old set?) the subtitle for this book is: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal. It’s the story of Simon Jackson, a boy most comfortable exploring the woods and observing wildlife. When Simon becomes a teenager, he discovers that spirit bears (a subspecies of black bear that has creamy white fur) are losing their habitat to deforestation and vows to protect them.

Simon initially launches a campaign to recruit his fellow students (and then ultimately people all over the world) to assist him in defending the spirit bears. Although he is often teased and ridiculed by other children, Simon continues his efforts to be a voice for the spirit bears. Ultimately he is rewarded for his tenacity: not only is he able to raise enough funds to have a tremendous impact on the plight of the spirit bears, he is introduced to famous environmentalists like Jane Goodall and invited on an expedition to the Great Bear Rainforest. As part of that trip, he actually sees a spirit bear for himself! Ultimately, Simon was named one of Time Magazine’s Sixty Heroes for the Planet.

I love the idea of this book for children: it plants the seed of activism in a way that is approachable and understandable for small children. Author Oliver also doesn’t pull any punches about how difficult it is to become an activist and to stand up for what you believe in. Simon is bullied for his passions but, by staying true to himself and not backing down from what he believes in, is able to make like-minded friends and ultimately become successful as the founder of multiple activism organizations.

It’s impossible to praise this book without mentioning the illustrations. Dockrill draws beautiful renderings of Simon, his escapades and the bears. The illustrations are whimsical and colorful but go a long way toward depicting Simon’s transformation from a boy who was intimidated by the opinions of others to a leader who was able to make a difference in the world. The inclusion of Dockrill’s illustrations make this book much more approachable for the younger end of the 4-12 year old age group which I think is important: it’s never too early to start planting the seed that one person can make a difference!

The end of this book is also very interesting. It transitions from an illustrated ‘story’ about a boy named Simon to a photo-journalistic telling of the life of ‘The Real Simon Jackson.’ This end matter in the book includes photographs of Simon and of the spirit bears. It also provides more details regarding Simon’s journey and the future of spirit bears in the wild. Finally, it closes with a call to action encouraging young people to find a cause a use their voices to change the world like Simon did. If the illustrations lend themselves to reading amongst the younger end of the book’s target audience, the end matter is what will make this book equally appealing to those beyond the 8 year old mark.

Working together, Oliver and Dockrill present an inspiring and educational story in a way that is accessible while remaining true to difficulty that exists in making change happen. Oliver tells the whole story…being brave and moving this effort forward was hard work for Simon. Although she clearly makes the point that Simon’s story illustrates that one person can make a difference, Oliver doesn’t sugar coat the story. Simon and the bears reaped rewards from his tremendous efforts but a great deal was required from Simon and from the worldwide community to make those rewards a reality.

[Jak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, NetGalley!

My first impression on this book was the illustrations. I loved the softness the illustrator portrayed in each picture. It definitely felt right for the theme of the story. The writing style also stuck out to me in this book. It was like how a storyteller would speak to a small group of children, which I really liked. Throughout Simon’s childhood, he suffered from a speech impediment so it wasn’t easy for him to speak in front of his class. He was bullied a lot, but found peace when he was out with nature and observing the wildlife. I loved the overall message Simon gives about finding his voice so he can give the Spirit Bears ones. “Stand tall, like the grizzly from Yellowstone Park.” was a motto he lived by after seeing a standing grizzly on one of his nature outings. With his motto, he was able to overcome his fear and speak about the endangered species not just to his class, but later to organizations and businesses. It’s amazing the impact he and drive had to save these beautiful animals. 700 letters were sent out from his school! That’s amazing! In the back of the book, the information about Simon, the Spirit Bears, and what the reader “Can Do to Make a Difference” I thought were excellent and inspiring additions. Simon wasn’t afraid to follow his dreams. Not only did he later get to meet the infamous Jane Goodall, but the animal he worked so hard to save, the Spirit Bear!

Overall, I thought this book was endearing as well as inspirational. This book is good for young school-age children who like nature, bears, and true stories.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy with a stutter has trouble connecting to schoolmates and tends to spend a lot of time alone and reading. When he finds out about one of his favorite animals, bears (in this instance Kodiak bears) are facing reduced habitat due to increased logging in their area, he decides to take action and write to politicians in support of the bears. When his efforts (and the efforts of many other people and groups), result in protection for the bears, he is inspired to continue, especially when he hears about the rare "spirit bears" that are a sub-species of another kind of bear and even more endangered. This inspiration drives him to fight through his stutter and work to connect with other people to share his passion for these special creatures.

A great mini-biography, with a pleasant art style, about a current environmental steward (after Goodall, pre-Thunberg) who had to overcome shyness and a speech impediment to get his point across. This also focuses more on "do-able" things (contacting authorities to express support, raising money to fund sanctuaries and increasing public awareness by talking to the people around you) that are more achievable for everyone.

No content issues, but lots of extra information in the back for anyone who wants to get involved or find out more.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book biography of Simon Jackson, a conservationist who started working to save bears quite young by writing letters. Despite an issue with stuttering, he managed to rally many people as a teen to help preserve land for the rare spirit bears, a white subspecies of black bear.

Simon Jackson’s story will be quite empowering for many kids who think they are too little or not good enough at speaking to rally others to a cause. If Simon could do it, they can do it, and there are even helpful tools in the back of the book on how young people can get involved in conservation efforts. There’s also more information on Simon and spirit bears in the back of the book too. I like the gentle illustrations in natural tones that complement the story well. Definitely recommended to young people who want to have a voice and do something when they hear about an issue, young conservationists, and also a great pick for bear lovers, or kids who think that something prevents them from being able to have an impact in this world.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Fahimeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

داستان واقعی پسری که از کودکی به دلیل علاقه به خرس ها
یک فعال محیط زیست شد ، و موفق به تشکیل یک انجمن حمایتی هم گردید و با فعالیت هاش باعث ساخت محیط های محافظت شده برای خرس ها شد .
پسری بود که با امید و شجاعت حتی توانست به نقص کلامی خودش غلبه کنه و با اعتماد به نفس برای دیگران سخنرانی کنه و از خرس ها صحبت کنه .
داستان قشنگ و ساده ای داشت و پر از آموزه های عالی در مورد اعتماد به نفس و انگیزشی موفقیت بود .😊😊😊

جمله ی پایانی کتاب :
"" آیا چیزی در دنیا وجود دارد که بخواهی آن را تغییر بدهی تا دنیا را جای بهتری بکنی ؟؟؟ ""

***به نظر من در ایران نمی‌توان دنبال تغییر دادن بود مخصوصا در حوزه ی محیط زیست ، چون اولا مردم ما در مقابل یادگیری و شنیدن حرف های جدید مقاومت نشون میدن ، دوما با توجه به حوادث چند سال اخیر که در مورد فعالان محیط زیست دیدیم و شنیدیم ، حتی دولت هم مقاومت نشون میده و به جرایم مختلف فعالان رو متهم و زندانی میکنه 😞😞😞***

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story of the importance of finding one's voice and using it to make a difference in the world. Based on a true story, Voice of the Spirit Bear describes what it's like for a child who doesn't quite fit in and follows his own path. However, his love for animals, bears in particular, moves him to engage others ans raise awareness about their plight. His belief that his voice can make a difference leads to a lifetime of doing just that. An important and worthwhile lesson, particularly for elementary students who doubt their ability to impact the larger world. Following the sory, Oliver relates the real-life story of her protagonist and provides a wealth of back matter. This combination of fact and narrative make the story even more compelling. A great read.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read, about an inspiring young man who, full of youthful activism, but also repressed due to a stammer, managed to galvanise a large movement to save Canada's spirit bears. I always think having the solid prose biography after the artistic, simpler telling, kind of defeats the issue a little, but both here show how the lad overcame great odds to get what he wanted. Inspiring, then – and with a very decent artistic style, this is worth a look. (That's one helluva youthful Jane Goodall, there, though – she didn't look like that when I did what the subject here did and met her in the '90s. Just sayin'.)

[Rhiannon's Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven year old Simon envies the calm power of bears. At school he struggles to make friends, or even talk to his peers without stuttering. When Simon discovers that a certain bear species, the Spirit Bear, is losing its habitat, he knows he needs to speak up. Can this young boy find the powerful voice needed to stand up for these strong yet silent creatures?

AGES 3-7

This book tells the true story of Simon Jackson, a young activist who spoke up to save the Spirit Bears. While maintaining a simple plot that younger children will comprehend, this story holds plenty of inspiration and value for older children as well. A perfect book to inspire young environmentalists!

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a boy who didn't fit in. His was most comfortable in the woods and studying wildlife. He was keen on environmental protection and when he learned about the disappearing habitat of the Spirit Bear he began a quest of helping them by spreading the word. By using his own shy voice, eventually the Great Bear Rainforest was awarded to the Spirit Bear. Although this is told in picture book format I think this inspiring story would be appreciated by an older audience of Grades 3 and up.

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was unfamiliar with Spirit Bears. This is an interesting introduction to both the bears and the young man who fought to protect them. Unfortunately, the illustrations are not that compelling, so this will take some selling by librarians, but the inspirational story is worth the effort. I also wish the factual material at the end had a bit more depth, for example including a map to show where the bears can be found. Still, a worthwhile read for young naturalists. Pair this with "A Boy and a Jaguar" by Alan Rabinowitz. Review based on an ARC through NetGalley.

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this story but the illustrations of people were lacking. The forest and animals were well done though. I also did not like the font. It was too small and boring. The book is based on a real person who grew up in Canada and he wrote letters to world leaders asking them to help the kodiak bear when he was just 7. This project was a success. He found another project when he was 14--helping the spirit bear. This project was more difficult to get results for.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An elementary and up book about Simon Jackson a kid who became obsessed with protecting and saving Spirit Bears a rare white grizzly bear. He staged kid writing campaigns to protect the areas where they live among other things.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A boy struggles with stuttering, but finds his voice to protect spirit bears. Similar to The Bug Girl (a True Story) by Sophia Spencer, about a young person who loves nature but must overcome social barriers to become a hero for the environment.

[Vāv. · Rating 5 out of 5]

با نازگل خوندیمش. تصویرهاش رو خیلی خیلی دوست داشتم. نسبت متن به تصویرش هم خیلی خیلی کم بود که چیز خوبیه، چون نازگل هم مثل خودم دیسلکسیکه، و از قضا از خوندن هم اصلا خوشش نمیاد. در کل پیشنهاد میشه. بخونید با کوچولوهاتون.