This book is about a boy who learns about the mistreatment of bears on the bile farm. With this news, Tam tries to save the moon bear where he learns the importance of human-animal bonds.

Moon Bear is a childrens novel written to increase awareness of a few issues going on in todays world, the main issue in this novel is Bile farms and how the bears are kept in poor, unnatural conditions some involving having the bears locked in cages to small with no solid ground to stand on.

Tam is a boy that is taken from his home in the forest after being told he would have to work for his family, he is taken to the city and introduced to a small family who board him and a Dr who owns a bear bile farm. Tam ends up working as a cleaner and feeder to the bears and at first he doesnt think much to the job other than money for his mum, however after finding out the money isnt being sent home he soon begins to realize all is not well, the doctor doesnt care for the bears and beats them when he is confronted about the medicine not working on the generals daughter.

the story also addresses deforestation and the lack of trust a person should have in government promises such as new schools for the poor and better health care and well being.

Overall a well written story for younger readers and not to over bearing (excuse the pun) to read.
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animals, child labor, environment, realistic fiction ( )