Review By: Erica Young
Published: Book 1 (Touching Spirit Bear): 2002, Book 2 (Ghost of Spirit Bear): 2010
Genres: Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Children’s Literature, Coming-of-Age
Audience: Ages 10-14, Grades 7-12
Number of Stars: ★★★★ (4/5)
Goodreads Links: Touching Spirit Bear, Ghost of Spirit Bear
Content Warnings: violence, abuse, alcoholism, generational trauma, suicide, suicide attempt, bullying, vandalism, mature themes
Publisher’s Summary
Book 1: Touching Spirit Bear In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelsen 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.
Book 2: Ghost of Spirit Bear In award-winning author Ben Mikaelsen’s riveting sequel to the acclaimed word-of-mouth bestseller Touching Spirit Bear, readers will be captivated by what Booklist calls a “hugely satisfying resolution.” Life in the wilderness—exiled from civilization as a punishment for his violent behavior—had its own set of hurdles, but for fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews, it’s returning home and facing high school that feels most daunting. With gangs and physical altercations haunting the hallways of their school, Cole and his former victim Peter—who Cole has now become friends with—must face it all together. So when Peter’s limp and speech impediment make him a natural target for bullies, Cole’s suppressed rage comes bubbling to the surface a lot quicker than he anticipated. Will he throw everything away that he learned on the healing, remote Alaskan island? In this tale of survival and self-awareness, Cole realizes it’s not enough to change himself. He has to change his world.
Review
The Spirit Bear Series by Ben Mikaelsen
Having read both books, this series provides a powerful exploration of trauma, accountability, and the hard-won process of redemption. Book 1, Touching Spirit Bear, immediately pulls the reader in, exploring how important relationships and home life—even generations of home life—impact a student’s behavior and decisions. I felt immediate empathy towards the main character, Cole Matthews, and was left wondering if a year of isolation and survival truly changed him. The book is a great read to remind tweens/teens that we are all a piece of a bigger world, and our actions affect others; we need to look within ourselves for the answers.
Book 2, Ghost of Spirit Bear, provides a necessary and hugely satisfying resolution, picking up right after Cole leaves the island. I read it in one day! The author does a good job of showing the real-time impact the island had on Cole and others around him. The sequel asks whether Cole’s time on the island changed him for the better permanently, as he and his former victim, Peter, face the challenges of high school and bullying together. This follow-up ensures the story’s message is driven home: it’s not enough to change yourself; you have to change your world.
Note for Educators: After reading the first book, I learned of controversy regarding the text and the idea of the banishment/Circle Justice and how it was described and used by the author. Do your own research to determine if this book is suitable for your classroom.
