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

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.

this book is a very quick read. At the start you hate Cole, but as time passes you come to find out his true character. It is slightly too descriptive at sometimes, so if you don't like reading in too much detail about attacks, maybe another time! But I love this book it is very heart warming and sweet. - A must read!!

This book is a well written novel that lookes in to the heart of modern society. It does noot simply overlook the trouble in teh modern world, rather it illastrates the steps that we all must take to revover. This book is a truly fantastic story of trust and recovery. It holds a powerful lesson for all who read. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a more peacful life.

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.