Touching Spirit Bear: 1 - Softcover

Mikaelsen, Ben

Softcover

ISBN 10: 038080560X ISBN 13: 9780380805600

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2016

Synopsis

In his Napra Nautilus Award-winning novel Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a poignant 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 from himself.

About this title

Review:

“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))

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?

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 038080560X
• ISBN 13: 9780380805600
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256