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Touching Spirit Bear
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Touching Spirit Bear Paperback - 2002

by Ben Mikaelsen

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.


From the publisher

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 rear 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?

Details

  • Title Touching Spirit Bear
  • Author Ben Mikaelsen
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition 1st Edition
  • Pages 256
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher HarperCollins, New York
  • Date 2002-04-30
  • ISBN 9780380805600 / 038080560X
  • Weight 0.35 lbs (0.16 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.7 in (19.05 x 12.95 x 1.78 cm)
  • Ages 08 to 12 years
  • Grade levels 3 - 7
  • Reading level 730
  • Themes
    • Ethnic Orientation: Native American
    • Geographic Orientation: Alaska
    • Religious Orientation: Native American
  • Library of Congress subjects Child abuse, Indians of North America - Alaska
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 0040702
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

Citations

  • Kliatt, 07/01/2002, Page 22
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Touching Spirit Bear
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