Touching Spirit Bear: 1 - Hardcover

Mikaelsen, Ben

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0380977443 ISBN 13: 9780380977444

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books, 2001

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:

"[Cole's] solitary life on the island is just the ticket for Paulsen fans, who will appreciate the survival story."--The Bulletin

"[Cole's story] will fascinate young and old, and have everyone waiting for the sequel."--Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

"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

"Mikaelsen's portrayal of this angry, manipulative, damaged teen is dead on."--School Library Journal (starred review)

From the Back Cover:

Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Alex Driscal in the, parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Alex may have permanent brain damage'and Cole is in the Biggest trouble of his life.

Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the, community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom his, abusive dad, wimpy Alex -- everyone but himself -- for his situation.

Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by Mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death His thoughts shift from from Anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.

Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots without absolving solving 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

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0380977443
• ISBN 13: 9780380977444
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256