Helpful Score: 4
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book. It is full of adventure and what I call a good "boy book". By this I mean that it is one that I think other males will enjoy reading. There were some surprises in the book and a few moments where I thought the action was taking place before my eyes. Very vivid details. (Sissy girls may want to read the pain part real quick.) I am sure you will enjoy this book as well as I did!
At age 15, Cole has been fighting and stealing. Finally, he will need to choose between prison and Native American Circle for Justice. How survival means save him.
This was a great book to read for my mother/son book club. It provided lots of great discussion!
Awesome book about a bully who beats up another kid,and has a choice between jail and a Native American Circle.Read It and find out what happens!
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.
Excellent book for middle-schoolers through adult. Great message!
um it small rip on cover
