Touching Spirit Bear

Ben Mikaelsen

Apr 2010 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

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.

Ratings and reviews

Now, i have not bought this book due to me reading it in real life, but i absolutely love it! It's my favorite book i have read so far, in my point of few topping the other books i thought to like such as warrior cat's or percy jackson. /with my second favorite book being 'Ghost Of Spirit Bear' It really sucks that i can't seem to find any other people my age who like these books- i'm an artist and can't wait to try and bring this book to life through a small comic or something what i would really love to see- is maybe a third book, or a short story about Cole and his father. I end up getting emotionally attached to characters in books i really love so it 'hurts' me a bit not seeing the problems resolved between these two. In the second book Cole crying just made me want to hug him and tell him it was okay. Now i do know it's hard to change things like this- but, due to the hinting of Coles father wanting to change in the second book, and Cole obviously desperately wanting his father back, i'd love to see it! What i also think would be cool is a movie of this. Not saying it should be done, of course, since i know that would mean signing off rights to a company..i'm just saying the idea of it is cool i will defenetly be reading more books from this Author, And can't wait to re-read both of these books over and over <3

The book was pretty nice it was not very eventful ( kind of boring) and the character change was sort of unnatural and awkward the ending was not the best. There are many places where this book could have ended and become really good but it dragged on and wasn't interesting. The book kind of felt like a whole kids book the way it talked about anti bullying and being nice to others but it was decent book, not the best but definitely one of the worst books i got assigned for summer reading. BTW he gets kidnapped and killed by James charles

As a Native American and as an educator I would not recommend this book. It is another case of a non-native writing about our culture and traditions. Touching Spirit Bear is flawed by the author’s unforgivable use of Tlingit culture, traditions and ritual. It is obvious that he lacks an understanding of traditional banishment and what he doesn’t know, he makes up. Banishment is used to isolate a person so that he can think deeply about his life and relations, and prepare to rejoin his community. It is not about a troubled white boy “playing Indian.” Native people do not appreciate non-natives using our rituals and culture in a manner that is not approved by us. Please bypass this book; there are many that have a similar message and don’t degrade native culture.

About the author

Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Award. His novels have been nominated for and won many state reader's choice awards. These novels include Red Midnight, Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, and Tree Girl. Ben's articles and photos appear in numerous magazines around the world. Ben lives near Bozeman, Montana, with his 700-pound black bear, Buffy.