Gentle Ben Author:Walt Morey, John Schoenherr (Illustrator) Mark's best friend is man's worst enemy. — The Alaskan wilderness is a lonely place for Mark Andersen, especially after the tragic death of his older brother, Jamie. But in time Mark finds someone else to care about -- Ben, an Alaskan brown bear whose vicious owner keeps him chained... a bear so huge that no one else dares come near him. ... more »Mark can only keep his newfound friendship a secret for so long. When the townspeople find out, they are determined to destroy Ben. And only Mark's parents, who come to realize how much the bear means to their son, can save him.« less
My 13 yr. old son laughed and cried throughout this book and ended it saying it was one of the best books he had ever read. This from a boy that generally hates to read!
A 1965 ALA Notable Book and winner of the Sequoyah Children's Book Award, Gentle Ben tells the story of friendship between a small boy and a large Alaskan brown bear. Together they face adventures troubles and the upset townspeople who are determined to destroy Ben.