Saving Sorya

Book excerpt: Winner of the 2023 Carnegie Medal for Illustration Based on a true story, this Eisner-nominated middle grade graphic novel tells the story of a young conservationist who overcomes the odds to save a sun bear. When endlessly curious Chang discovers a bear farm near her home in Vietnam, she decides to do everything she can to save wild animals by becoming a conservationist. After teaching herself survival skills and learning all she can about the rainforest, Chang is finally accepted as a rescue centre volunteer. Her toughest challenge yet comes when she makes a vow to return Sorya - the sun bear she raised from infancy - back into the wild. Because despite being a different species, Sorya is Chang's best friend. And letting a friend go is never easy, even when it's the right thing to do. Written by scientist and environmental activist Trang Nguyen, with stunning artwork by Jeet Zdung and STEM facts galore, Chang's daring story is for any young reader, animal lover, or intrepid explorer who's ready for adventure!