Touching Spirit Bear
Books | Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears
3.8
(1.8K)
Ben Mikaelsen
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.A strong choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups.
Young Adult
AD
Buy now:
More Details:
Author
Ben Mikaelsen
Pages
256
Publisher
Harper Collins
Published Date
2010-04-20
ISBN
0062009680 9780062009685
Ratings
Google: 4
Community ReviewsSee all
"ah yes, my least favorite book of all time. stealing and fabricating native culture, villanizing the boy that was beaten up to the point of brain damage for not liking being around the main character bc he was the one who did it, extremely unrealistic (a 14 year old boy wouldnt survive a polar bear attack with a shattered hip and arm for four days out in the alaskan wilderness. i dont care that this is a kids book, legit no one would and nothing fantasy or magical happens to prove that in this world thats realistic) and its just down right awful. "
"Beautifully written story about growth, redemption, self awareness, and healing. Read it for the first time years ago in middle school as an assignment and went and got it for myself asap after. I’ve reread it countless times and it never ceases to capture me. "
J J
Jess J