Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

In the beginning of the book, the cat, Zephyrina, is the main speaker of the story. Why do you think it is important that she tell the story of Pocket Bear and not someone else?

Zephyrina’s character appears to be a bit of a loner. She is used to being on her own. How do you think she feels about her family, Dasha and Elizaveta, Pocket and the toys?

What caused Zephyrina to rescue the new bear from the restaurant trash instead of foraging for food?

Zephyrina mentions on pg. 32 that Pocket is called “Sarge,” but she doesn’t take orders from anyone but one bear. Who? Why?

In Chapter 23, Pocket describes “Second Chances,” their home, and that Dasha created it. Do you think Pocket is proud of this? Why or why not?

The toys meet at night so humans do not see them. How do you think Dasha would feel about this if she knew what was happening?

Pocket often appears hopeful that things will work out and lost toys will be saved. Do you think he is hopeful because of his purpose to keep soldiers safe, or does he just feel connected to his humans and believes in what they have created for lost things?

Zephyrina asks Pocket about his strange reaction to seeing “Spaghetti Bear” in the beginning of the book. Why did Pocket react this way? Describe his behavior.

In Chapter 35, Zephyrina describes how Pocket tried to convince her that their humans, Elizaveta and Dasha were nice humans and to give them a chance. Do you think Zephyrina will eventually change her mind? How so and why?

Many of the characters in the book are facing some sort of challenge. How can you compare Zephyrina, Elizaveta, Dasha and Pocket’s life challenges?

Explain how these life challenges may have “pushed” them together or to “find” one another?

Describe how Pocket felt when they discovered Berwon’s picture in the Toy Encyclopedia?

Explain how Pocket is worried about Berwon’s entry in the encyclopedia and the decision not to tell Berwon about it?

Up to Chapter 42, all of the characters appear to be kind toys and humans. What character traits would you use to describe Picky Vicky when she is introduced in this chapter?

Do you think Dasha and Elizaveta see the toys they find as easy ways to make money, or is there something more to why they rescue them? Explain.

On page 109, Picky Vicky says she will get the “best price on toys” that Elizaveta and Dasha sell to her. Do you believe what Vicky says? Why or why not?

When the characters meet John from the museum, Zephyrina mentions to Pocket that she likes him. What characteristics would you use to describe John?

Why do you think it is important for Dasha to write bios on each of the toys she finds?

Zephyrina shows the reader that she sometimes purrs and feels happy at her home. We see this on page 138. How do you think her character will change throughout the rest of the book?

Later in the story, Zephyrina tells Berwon the truth about his story. Berwon is upset that Pocket didn’t tell him the truth earlier. How would you describe Pocket’s actions and feelings toward this situation and the other toys?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes:

Churnin, Nancy. A Teddy Bear for Emily-and President Roosevelt Too. Rose Katz and Morris Michtom grew up in Russia during a period of persecution against Jewish people. Hoping to find kindness and opportunity in another country, they emigrated to the United States, where they got married and opened a candy shop. In 1902, they read a newspaper article about President Theodore Roosevelt sparing a bear on a hunting trip. To the delight of their daughter, Emily, the Michtoms created a small, stuffed version of the animal and named it Teddy's Bear. Before long, this cuddly symbol of one man's act of compassion became a beloved toy that continues to delight children all over the world.(NoveList Plus)

Ferry, Beth. Growing Home. A motley crew of talkative plants, a curious spider, and a grumpy goldfish use their newfound magical abilities to defend their family from a greedy human. (NoveList Plus)

Messner, Kate. How to Save an Otter. Ivy and Ezra are “critter couriers” whose family volunteers to transport injured and orphaned animals to their local wildlife hospital. When they discover a baby river otter with a hurt leg, Ivy worries about the little otter being separated from its family--a feeling she knows all too well. She's struggled to make new friends since her twin cousin BFFs moved away. Taking on a big project for the wildlife hospital keeps her busy, but can she find the confidence she needs to make it a success, build new friendships, and help the otter heal enough to return to the wild? (NoveList Plus)

Schlitz, Laura Amy. The Winter of the Dollhouse. In this heartwarming and whimsical coming-of-age tale, 11-year-old Tiphany Stokes unknowingly sets off a chain of life-changing events involving a mysterious old woman, a long-forgotten doll and a hidden dollhouse, discovering friendship, courage and her own voice along the way.(NoveList Plus)

Vendel, Edward van de. Mishka. Roya, her three brothers, and their parents have a new family member — Mishka, a bunny rabbit. He soon becomes a beloved part of their new home and gradually, the rabbit — and also Roya — get to hear the story of the family's journey from Afghanistan to the Netherlands. Told from different perspectives every time: big Bashir, gentle Hamayun, tough Navid, and sometimes Mom and Dad. Mishka and Roya listen. (NoveList Plus)

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