Touching Spirit Bear

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.

--ALA Booklist

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 01/09/2001
ISBN: 9780380977444
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 1.10d
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Golden Sower Award - Winner
Award: Nutmeg Book Award - Nominee
Award: Nevada Young Readers' Award - Winner
Award: South Carolina Childrens, Junior and Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Iowa Teen Award - Nominee
Award: Charlotte Award - Nominee
Award: Black-Eyed Susan Award - Nominee
Award: Texas Lone Star Reading List - Commended
Award: Nautilus Award - Winner
Award: Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award - Nominee
Award: Golden Archer Award - Winner
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Beehive Awards - Winner
Award: Flicker Tale Children's Book Award - Winner
Award: Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award - Winner
Award: Evergreen Young Adult Book Award - Nominee
Award: Young Reader's Choice Award - Nominee
Award: Spur Awards - Finalist
Award: Sunshine State Young Reader's Award - Winner

Review Citations: Kirkus Review - Children 01/01/2001 pg. 54
Booklist 01/01/2001 pg. 940
School Library Journal 02/01/2001 pg. 122
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 324 - Marginal, Seriously Flawed
ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/15/2002 pg. 1228
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 324 - Marginal, Seriously Flawed

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 45132 / Touching Spirit Bear
Reading Level: 5.3 / Interest Level: Middle Grade / Point Value: 9