The Shadow of the Bear — Regina Doman

Once upon a time, in New York City, two girls meet a mysterious stranger, Bear, who comes to their door one winter night. Rose quickly befriends him, but Blanche is suspicious. To her, Bear seems to be a dangerous person who is hiding things. She's seen him covertly associate with the "drug crowd" at their high school and he tries to sell valuable church artifacts to shady dealers. He is somehow connected to the old abandoned church next to their high school. But Rose is impressed by Bear's love and knowledge of literature and poetry. Taking her and Blanche to the opera confirms for her that Bear is trustworthy. And yet, as events unfold, even Rose must admit that Bear is hiding dangerous activities from them. A classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm comes to life as two very different sisters, timid Blanche and impulsive Rose, seek to discover Bear's identity and secret mission. New 2008 revision of a teen novel that has become a cult favorite with hundreds of readers.