• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

★“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

Grizzlies are one of North America’s most iconic wildlife species.

They once roamed across half the continent, but today the grizzly population has declined at an alarming rate and it is incredibly difficult to rebuild those numbers, especially in places with a lot of people. Yet grizzlies are key members of their ecological communities and a powerful symbol of wilderness. Filled with facts and richly illustrated with photos, Grizzly Bears: Guardians of the Wilderness explores the biology of grizzlies and the vital ecological role these bears play, and it asks readers to consider what it takes to share the land with them. Learn from conservationists, scientists, Indigenous Peoples and young people who are working to ensure that grizzlies will be with us forever.

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

• Nominated, Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards - Nonfiction
• Commended, Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year
• Commended, Children’s Book Council & National Science Teachers Association Outstanding Science Trade Books
• Short-listed, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Young Adult Nonfiction
• Commended, School Library Journal (SLJ) Best Books - Nonfiction
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Long-listed, Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) Book Awards - Youth Category
• Commended, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Standard Selection

“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

“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

★“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

“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)