Saving Sorya

Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear is an illustrated, semi-autobiographical graphic novel about wildlife conservation in Vietnam. It follows Chang, a determined young girl who dreams of protecting endangered animals. As she grows up and becomes a conservationist, Chang helps rescue Sorya, a sun bear that has been held in captivity, and begins the long, difficult work of rehabilitation for a return to the forest. The story is based on the real experiences of author and conservationist Trang Nguyen. It explores the illegal wildlife trade, bear farming, habitat loss, rescue-centre work, and the patience required to help a traumatised wild animal regain independence. At the same time, it is an empowering account of persistence: Chang faces doubt, danger, and setbacks but continues pursuing her commitment to animals and nature. The book presents environmental issues through a child-friendly narrative without oversimplifying the challenges of conservation. Originally created in Vietnamese and published in Vietnam in 2020, the book was released in the United States by Dial Books on 14 September 2021 and in the United Kingdom by Macmillan Children’s Books on 30 September 2021. Its 120 watercolour illustrations were informed by field research, giving the rainforest settings and animal life a vivid sense of place.