Bearstone

• Genre: Young adult fiction; adventure; coming of age
• Originally Published: 1989
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 780L; young adult (ages 14 and up)
• Structure/Length: Novel; approximately 154 pages; approximately 4 hours and 8 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Bearstone is a young adult novel by Will Hobbs. The central conflict revolves around Cloyd, a troubled teenager who has been sent to a remote Colorado ranch to work as part of his probation. While at the ranch, Cloyd encounters an orphaned bear cub and forms a deep bond with the animal. As he cares for the cub and learns about the wilderness, Cloyd begins to find purpose and healing in his life. The novel explores themes of redemption, the power of nature, and the transformative impact of relationships. Will Hobbs’s storytelling is known for its authentic wilderness settings and coming-of-age themes.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes related to juvenile delinquency, wilderness survival, and the challenges faced by troubled youth; descriptions of animal death

Will Hobbs, Author

• Bio: American author acclaimed for his young adult novels that often feature outdoor adventures and coming-of-age themes; known for his realistic portrayal of wilderness settings
• Other Works: Downriver (1991); Beardance (1993); Far North (1996)
• Awards: ALA Best Books for Young Adults; Winner, Mountain and Plains Booksellers Association Regional Book Award