Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear
| Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear (Chang hoang dã – Gấu) | |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Kim Đồng Publishing House (Vietnam) Macmillan Children’s Books (UK) |
| Creative team | |
| Writer | Trang Nguyen |
| Artist | Jeet Zdung |
| Original publication | |
| Date of publication | 2020 |
| Language | Vietnamese |
| Translation | |
| Date | September 14, 2021 |
| ISBN | 978-0593353639 |
| Translator | Trang Nguyen |
Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear is a graphic novel written by Trang Nguyen and illustrated by Jeet Zdumg. It is based on Nguyen's experiences as a wildlife conservationist and tells the story of the rehabilitation and release of Soyra, a sun bear. Originally published in Vietnamese, it was translated into English by Nguyen in 2021.
Summary
Soyra, a young female sun bear who was rescued after being captured by poachers and sent to a bear bile farm, is brought to a Free The Bears facility in Vietnam. Chang, who has aspired to be a wildlife conservationist since childhood after watching a moon bear being tortured for its bile, volunteers at the facility and is assigned to help rehabilitate Soyra. The book follows Sorya's rewilding and eventual release.
Background
Nguyen donated her royalties received from Saving Sorya as well as its sequel Saving H'Non to the real-life Free The Bears and her own charity WildAct Vietnam.[1]
Reception
School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews both gave Saving Sorya a starred review.[2][3] Kirkus Reviews commented on the contrast between the manga-style humans and the more realistic watercolor depictions of animals and nature, concluding that "breathtaking visuals and a compelling story seamlessly integrate conservation facts".
BookTrust described the book as "a beautiful, moving and uplifting tale of perseverance and overcoming challenge, and how small steps can make a big difference."[4]
Andy Oliver of Broken Frontier noted how the book did not downplay effects of poaching and other acts of animal cruelty, calling it a "truly gorgeously illustrated book with an important message."[5]
| Year | Award/Honor | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Carnegie Medal for Illustration | Won | [6] |
| 2022 | Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table's Graphic Novels for Children | Top Ten | [7] |
| Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids | Finalist | [8] | |
| 2021 | Freeman Awards | Honor | [9] |
| National Book Award (Vietnam) | Won | [10] |
Sequel
A sequel, Saving H'Non: Chang and the Elephant, was released in English in 2023. It follows Chang as she helps H'Non, an elderly elephant who was abused in captivity for decades.[11] Like the first book, it was an honor title for the Freeman Awards and was included the 2024 Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table's Graphic Novels for Children Top Ten, in addition to being included in the 2024 USBBY Outstanding International Books List.[12][13][14]
References
- ↑ Johnston, Rich (2021-06-07). "Macmillan Picks Up Trang Nguyen & Jeet Zdung Wildlife Graphic Novels". bleedingcool.com. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ Trang, Nguyen. "Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ SAVING SORYA | Kirkus Reviews.
- ↑ "Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear". BookTrust. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ Oliver, Andy (2023-04-18). "Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear - Trang Nguyen and Jeet Zdung Bring the Subject of Conservation to a Younger Readership". Broken Frontier. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ Anderson, Porter (2023-06-22). "Yoto Carnegie Medal: A First Win for a Book in Translation". Publishing Perspectives. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "2022 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List | Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table". www.ala.org. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "The winners of the 2022 Eisner Awards are..." Popverse. 2023-05-28. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "2021 Archives - NCTAsia". Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ VnExpress. "'Chang hoang dã - Gấu' đoạt giải A Sách Quốc gia". vnexpress.net (in Vietnamese). Archived from the original on 2025-10-05. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "Saving H'Non: Chang and the Elephant". BookTrust. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "2024 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List | Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table". www.ala.org. Retrieved 2026-08-24.
- ↑ "2024 USBBY Outstanding International Books" (PDF). www.usbby.org. 2024.
- ↑ "2023 Archives - NCTAsia". Retrieved 2026-08-24.