Touching Spirit Bear

by Ben Mikaelsen

2001
Age ranges: Grades 6-8
Genre(s): realistic fiction
Golden Sower

Story summary: Cole lets his anger overtake him and severely beats a young man named Peter,  causing serious injury.  In order to avoid prison, Cole agrees to go to a remote island in Alaska where he will have to survive on his own.  Cole, still not controlling his anger and unwilling to take responsibility for his actions destroys the cabin built for him and burns all of the supplies. Cole keeps seeing a white bear, which he guesses is the Spirit Bear that is a Native American legend. Cole hates when anything does not bow to his superiority and so develops a hatred for the bear.  This hatred overcomes Cole and he attacks the bear to kill it.  The bear mauls Cole and leaves him for dead.  He lays for many days hoping to survive and taking a good look at his life.  When his probation officer comes back to check on him, Cole needs immediate medical attention and is taken back to the main land.  Cole tries to make those in charge understand that he has changed and to get them to give him another chance on the island.  After Cole has been living on the island for some time, Peter, who is suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, is brought to the island at Cole’s request. 

My reaction: I love this story of hope, forgiveness of self and others, and second chances. So many people go through things that we do not understand when we look from the outside.  Cole got a chance to look into his own heart and see the need for change.  I am glad the author gives Cole the chance to help his victim heal.