Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate is a heartwarming middle-grade novel narrated by Zephyrina, a clever and cynical street cat. The story centers on Pocket, a miniature teddy bear created during World War I to provide comfort and good luck to a soldier in the trenches. Now over a century old, Pocket serves as the "mayor" of Second Chances, a toy rehabilitation home run by a young Ukrainian refugee named Dasha. The plot is set in motion when Zephyrina discovers a discarded, sauce-covered bear in a dumpster. When it is revealed that this bear is an incredibly rare and valuable antique, the group must protect him from a greedy toy collector. In this touching story, the characters learn deep lessons about empathy, the enduring impact of war, and the power of a "found family." Recommended for children in grades 3-5. Library card holders can click here to find it in our catalog and place a hold on the book.