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Book Reviews of Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, Bk 1)

Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, Bk 1)
Touching Spirit Bear - Spirit Bear, Bk 1
Author: Ben Mikaelsen
ISBN-13: 9780439401883
ISBN-10: 0439401887
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 241
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 8

4.1 stars, based on 8 ratings
Publisher: Scholastic
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

4 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
The perfect book for action-loving teens who think they don't like to read or a lighter novel for adults who enjoy adventure stories with Native American elements. Like the ubiquitous Gary Paulsen books, Touching Spirit Bear offers a story of teen boy vs wilderness and self. But Ben Mikaelsen provides more insight into his protagonist's thoughts and emotions.

The book begins as fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews arrives on a remote Alaskan island where he will struggle to survive hunger, isolation, harsh weather, and a bear attack. After severely assaulting a weaker boy at school, Cole was assigned to a dedicated youth probation officer who uses concepts from his Tlingit (Native Alaskan) heritage to subject Cole to a life-changing wilderness experience rather than standard juvenile detention.

As Cole overcomes physical challenges, he also comes to terms with his violent emotions and the damage he has caused others. Cole's behavior problems are rooted in abuse he endured from his father, but Mikaelsen emphasizes Cole's need to accept responsibility for his own actions in the present and to release the anger and self-pity that will only continue the cycle of abuse and violence.
reviewed Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
Excellent book for middle-schoolers through adult. Great message!
reviewed Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
This book is about a troubled boy that gets into alot of trouble and is sent to a camp. He learns to be a better person by his mistakes and lessons. I really enjoyed it.
reviewed Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
um it small rip on cover