This Orca Wild series nonfiction text starts with general information about the bear species, then focuses in on the features, behaviours, habitats, and lifecycles of grizzlies. Human and climate change impacts on grizzlies are described. Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge of, relationships with, and Traditions associated with grizzlies, past and present, are included. A former park naturalist and biologist, environmental journalist Frances Backhouse draws on her own and others’ grizzly bear research in the writing of this book. The familiar Orca Wild series layout features a main body of text supplemented by details presented in sidebars, text boxes, diagrams, illustrations, maps, and timelines. Colour photos with accompanying captions complement the text. Researchers’ work and individuals’ encounters with grizzlies are shared in sections separate from the main body of text. A City of Victoria Butler Book Prize recipient, Backhouse’s Orca Wild book, Beavers: Radical Rodents and Ecosystem Engineers, received several award nominations.

Other End Matter: Glossary, Print, Video and Online resources, Acknowledgements
Images: Colour photographs, Colour illustrations, Diagrams, Maps, Timelines
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Frances Backhouse studied biology in university and worked as a park naturalist and as a biologist before becoming an environmental journalist and author. Her six previous books include Once They Were Hats: In Search of the Mighty Beaver and Children of the Klondike, which won the 2010 City of Victoria Butler Book Prize. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her partner, Mark Zuehlke, who is also a writer. Frances loves exploring the natural world both close to home and far away, especially when those explorations involve tent-camping. If there’s a beaver habitat nearby, it’s even better.

Frances Backhouse's profile page

• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Books
• Long-listed, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Young Adult Nonfiction
• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection
• Commended, School Library Journal (SLJ) Best Books - Nonfiction
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“The writing is clear and engaging and benefits from the author’s specific experience working with bears…Organized well for research…An excellent addition to any school or public library collection.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

★“Offers kid-friendly explanations...An important book for helping kids see past the stereotypes of terrifying grizzly bears and join the call for conservation.”

School Library Journal, starred review

“This phenomenal book is a must for anyone with even the slightest interest in bears. Even someone who isn't particularly interested in learning more about grizzlies likely won’t be able to resist being drawn in. Highly Recommended.”

School Library Connection

“A high level of expertise, up-to-date research, thorough topic treatment and appealing presentation…Readers will come to appreciate a magnificent creature's struggles to maintain its place on this planet that we share. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials