Ben Mikaelsen

Touching Spirit Bear Ben Mikaelsen

Brief Description: Mikaelsen's provocative portrait of Cole, an angry teen who chooses banishment to a remote Alaskan island over detention as punishment for a brutal attack, has captivated reviewers and readers as it examines the alternative Native American Circle Justice. Review Quotes: ?Mikaelsen paints a realistic portrait of an unlikable young punk.?Kirkus Reviews ?An excellent companion to Gary Paulsen's Hatchet (1987) and Allan Eckert's Incident at Hawk's Hill.?ALA Booklist "[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's portrayal of this angry, manipulative, damaged teen is dead on.?School Library Journal (starred review) Publisher Marketing: 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 Review Citations:

Ingram Children's Advance 01/01/2005 pg. 58 (EAN 9780060734008, Paperback)

Kliatt 01/01/2005 pg. 16 (EAN 9780060734008, Paperback) - *Starred Review

Kliatt 07/01/2002 pg. 22 (EAN 9780380805600, Paperback)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2002 pg. 72 (EAN 9780380805600, Paperback)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2005 pg. 676 (EAN 9780380805600, Paperback)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2009 pg. 940 (EAN 9780380805600, Paperback)

Ingram Children's Advance 05/01/2001 pg. 12 (EAN 9780807205150, Analog Audio Cassette)

School Library Journal 10/01/2001 (EAN 9780807205150, Analog Audio Cassette)

Ingram Children's Advance 05/01/2001 pg. 12 (EAN 9780807204450, Analog Audio Cassette)

Booklist 01/01/2001 pg. 940 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 324 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/15/2002 pg. 1228 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2002 pg. 72 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 324 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 02/01/2001 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2005 pg. 676 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2009 pg. 940 (EAN 9780060291495, Hardcover)

Kirkus Review - Children 01/01/2001 pg. 54 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

Booklist 01/01/2001 pg. 940 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

School Library Journal 02/01/2001 pg. 122 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover) - *Starred Review

Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 324 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

ALA Best Books Young Adults 03/15/2002 pg. 1228 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2002 pg. 72 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 324 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2005 pg. 676 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

Wilson Middle/Junior Hi Catalo 01/01/2009 pg. 940 (EAN 9780380977444, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Mikaelsen, Ben Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Award. His novels have been nominated for and won many state reader's choice awards. These novels include Red Midnight, Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, and Tree Girl. Ben's articles and photos appear in numerous magazines around the world. Ben lives near Bozeman, Montana, with his 700-pound black bear, Buffy.