num_pages: 289
description: After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, troublemaker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given an alternative: a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. This program—called Circle Justice—is based on Native American traditions that provide healing for the criminal mind. To avoid serious jail time, Cole resolves 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 violent anger cause him to examine the root of his troubled ways.Author Ben Mikaelson delivers a poignant depiction of the vicious cycle of violence and one boy's journey to healing.
language: English
title: Touching Spirit Bear
titlecomplete: Touching Spirit Bear (Spirit Bear, #1)
characters: Peter Driscal, Cole  Matthews, Garvey, Edwin
genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Survival, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Read For School, School, Coming Of Age, Fiction, Realistic Fiction
ratings_count: 31836
places: Alaska
series: Spirit Bear
awards: awardedAt: 1009872000000
name: Flicker Tale Children's Book Award, awardedAt: 1104566400000
name: Soaring Eagle Book Award, awardedAt: 1041408000000
name: Sunshine State Young Readers Award
category: Grades 6-8, awardedAt: 1041408000000
name: California Young Readers Medal
category: Middle School/Junior High
publisher: HarperCollins