CapaCapa
Scan Sign in
Cover of Touching Spirit Bear (rack)

Touching Spirit Bear (rack)

Ben Mikaelsen

Ages 12–16

Readers rate it 3.6 (16 on Hardcover)

289 pages · Released Jan 4, 2005

Content report card

Touching Spirit Bear (rack) parent’s guide: what’s inside

High confidence

Sexual content

LGBTQ+ themes

What it offers

A note for parents

This powerful coming-of-age novel addresses serious themes including teen violence, accountability, and healing through a restorative justice lens. Cole's initial assault is a pivotal plot point, and a bear attack leaves him severely injured; these incidents drive character growth rather than glorify violence. The book offers exceptional positive messaging about taking responsibility, overcoming anger, and transforming trauma into healing, making it appropriate for mature middle-grade and teen readers willing to engage with difficult subjects.

Analyzed by AI · 1 month ago

Read it with your kids?

Rate it and suggest an age to help other parents.

Log in to review

From the publisher

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... 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...

Shelved under

  • Fiction
  • Juvenile Fiction
  • Children's fiction
  • Animals, fiction

Share this guide

ISBN 9780060734008 · HarperTeen

We use cookies to keep you signed in and for anonymous usage stats. No ad tracking. Privacy