94 pages • 3 hours read
Ben MikaelsenTouching Spirit Bear
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2001A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen follows defiant teenager Cole, who, after assaulting a boy named Peter, opts for a restorative justice sentence on a remote Alaskan island. Initially angry and resentful, Cole faces life-threatening challenges and encounters a mystical Spirit Bear, leading to profound self-reflection and a journey towards healing and forgiveness. Sensitive topics include substance use disorder, physical abuse, bullying, suicidal ideation, and injury.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews for Ben Mikaelsen's Touching Spirit Bear reveal a compelling narrative praised for its powerful themes of redemption and healing. Critics appreciate the protagonist's emotional journey and the realistic portrayal of consequences. However, some reviews highlight the story's intense violence and question the depth of character development. Overall, the book resonates with readers seeking an impactful, transformative read.
Who Should Read Touching Spirit Bear?
A reader who would enjoy Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is typically a young adult interested in themes of redemption, nature, and personal growth. Fans of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet or Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian will find this novel's exploration of survival and self-discovery compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
12-14yearsLexile Level
730L