The Soldier Bear is a great book with a unique angle on World War II. It is through the eyes of Polish soldiers who were caught off guard by Russia and Germany’s invasion. Poland basically turned nonexistent after the invasion. There was a “peace” border separated the country so Russia and Germany knew which side was theirs. Peter, Lolek, and Stanislav were put to work in Poland but escaped the Russians and crossed the Iranian border where they would be safe. From there they decided they wanted to join the war and fight the Germans.This book is set in a war climate, but it focuses on the bear in the army and how life must have been for the few who were fortunate enough to be around him. Voytek, the bear, gives a light on a dreadful experience in the war and does so much for the soldiers he encounters. He takes their mind off of the atrocities of war. 6 ?’sSoldier BearGenre BiographyAward Batchelder Award1. Which Character was the jokester of the group?2. Describe what happened to separate Peter and Stanislav, then how did they find each other again?3. If you were in the group that found Voytek in the bag would you have gone over and opened the sack, and if yes would you have taken him with you? If no what would you have done differently?4. What kind of relationship did Kaska and Voytek have and how did it change as time went on?5. Would it have been better if the soldiers had not traded for Voytek? Explain your reason.6. Make a new ending to the story if Peter had taken Voytek back to Poland with him? Explain in detail how he would have lived and where.
What do You think about Soldaat Wojtek (2008)?
This was unexpectedly sweet & tender. I was very surprised by how muchI enjoyed it.
—roger
Interesting children's book Nicely written and illustrated.
—diamondmonroeee
A wonderful book, I would recommend it to a friend.
—brooke
