About this item
Highlights
- In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a powerful coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life.After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble.
- 8-12 Years
- 7.5" x 5.1" Paperback
- 256 Pages
- Young Adult Fiction, Social Themes
- Series Name: Spirit Bear
Description
About the Book
Mikaelsen's provocative portrait of Cole, an angry teen who chooses banishment to a remote Alaskan island over detention as punishment for a brutal attack, has captivated reviewers and readers as it examines the alternative Native American Circle Justice.Book Synopsis
In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a powerful coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life.
After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given another option: attend Circle Justice, an alternative program that sends juvenile offenders to a remote Alaskan Island to focus on changing their ways. Desperate to avoid prison, Cole fakes humility and agrees to go.
While there, Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear and left for dead. Thoughts of his abusive parents, helpless Peter, and his own anger cause him to examine his actions and seek redemption--from the spirit bear that attacked him, from his victims, and, most importantly, from himself.
Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots of his anger without absolving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing.
From the Back Cover
Whatever you do to the animals, you do to yourself. Remember that.
At fifteen, Cole Matthews has been fighting and stealing for years. The punishment for smashing Peter Driscal's skull into the sidewalk--his most recent crime--is harsh. This time, Cole will have to choose between prison and Native American Circle Justice. He will live either behind bars or in isolation for one year.
Cole chooses Circle Justice. But in the first days of his banishment to a remote Alaskan island, he is mauled by a mysterious white bear and nearly dies. Will the attack of the spirit bear destroy Cole's life or save his soul?
Review Quotes
"Mikaelsen's portrayal of this angry, manipulative, damaged teen is dead on." -- School Library Journal (starred review)
"[Cole's] solitary life on the island is just the ticket for Paulsen fans, who will appreciate the survival story." -- The Bulletin
"Mikaelsen paints a realistic portrait of an unlikable young punk." -- Kirkus Reviews
"An excellent companion to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet and Allan Eckert's Incident at Hawk's Hill." -- ALA Booklist
"[Cole's story] will fascinate young and old, and have everyone waiting for the sequel." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)