Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, Hardcover, 9780380977444 | Buy online at The Nile
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Touching Spirit Bear

Author: Ben Mikaelsen   Series: Spirit Bear

Sent to a remote Alaskan island as part of an alternative program after attacking a classmate, Cole Matthews has a chance to straighten out his life. On this island, Cole's rage and isolation lead him to a brazen attack on the Spirit Bear of Native American legend, and the clumsy assault ends with Cole mauled nearly to death, desperately clinging to the life he had tried so hard to waste.

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Summary

Sent to a remote Alaskan island as part of an alternative program after attacking a classmate, Cole Matthews has a chance to straighten out his life. On this island, Cole's rage and isolation lead him to a brazen attack on the Spirit Bear of Native American legend, and the clumsy assault ends with Cole mauled nearly to death, desperately clinging to the life he had tried so hard to waste.

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Description

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

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Awards

Winner of Sunshine State Young Reader's Award (Grades 6-8) 2004
Winner of Golden Sower Award (Young Adult) 2004
Winner of Nevada Young Readers' Award (Young Adult) 2003
Winner of Nautilus Award (Young Adult) 2002
Winner of Golden Archer Award (Middle/Junior High) 2004
Winner of Beehive Awards (Young Adult) 2003
Winner of Flicker Tale Children's Book Award (Juvenile) 2002
Winner of Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award (Grades 6-8) 2004
Commended for Spur Awards (Children-Y/A Fiction) 2002
Commended for Texas Lone Star Reading List 2002

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Critic Reviews

“"Mikaelsen's portrayal of this angry, manipulative, damaged teen is dead on." -- School Library Journal (starred review) "[Cole's] solitary life on the island is just the ticket for Paulsen fans, who will appreciate the survival story." -- The Bulletin "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 "[Cole's story] will fascinate young and old, and have everyone waiting for the sequel." -- Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)”

"[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)

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About the Author

Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading

Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading

Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading

Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading

Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur A Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur A Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur A Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur A Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Awar

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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

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Product Details

Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers | HarperCollins Children's Books
Published
31st January 2001
Pages
256
ISBN
9780380977444

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