A first sight, this book looks like a picture book but the story about homelessness and vocabulary put this book, in my opinion, at lower elementary level.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a great job of using a bear to portray how the character felt as though others were viewing him as. The story also does a good job of showing how being kind and compassionate towards others can makes such a difference and can be so influential. ( )

The bear lives on the street, hungry and homeless and with no compassion from the people who walk past him each day. He loses hope, until one day, a small girl notices him as she walks with her father. Her kindness changes his world.

Clever metaphor. ( )

I Am a Bear An emotionally stirring book about kindness and friendship Life isn’t easy for a bear. Not when he has to sleep on the sidewalk among cardboard boxes and old clothes. Not when he lives in a city full of people who are repulsed by him. Not when he’s hungry and homeless. But one day a young girl smiles at the bear, and he realizes that maybe there is something that could make life a bit easier -- a friend. This poignant, heartwarming tale will move readers of all ages. (amazon)