In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a powerful coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life.

After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given another option: attend Circle Justice, an alternative program that sends juvenile offenders to a remote Alaskan Island to focus on changing their ways. Desperate to avoid prison, Cole fakes humility and agrees to go.

While there, Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear and left for dead. Thoughts of his abusive parents, helpless Peter, and his own anger cause him to examine his actions and seek redemption -- from the spirit bear that attacked him, from his victims, and, most importantly, from himself.

Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots of his anger without absolving 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.

A strong choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups.

• We started tracking this book on March 14, 2012.
• This book was $6.99 when we started tracking it.
• The price of this book has changed 135 times in the past 4,834 days.
• The current price of this book is $4.99 last checked 21 hours ago.
• This lowest price this book has been offered at in the past year is $1.99.
• The lowest price to date was $0.99 last reached on March 26, 2020.
• This book has been $0.99 one time since we started tracking it.
• The highest price to date was $9.99 last reached on May 25, 2025.
• This book has been $9.99 6 times since we started tracking it.

• Teen & Young AdultLiterature & FictionGeography & CulturesUnited StatesNative American

• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 266 Pages