Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen is a powerful and emotional young adult novel that tells the story of a troubled teenager named Cole Matthews who is sent to a remote island in Alaska as part of a Native American healing circle program. The program is designed to help Cole confront his anger and violent tendencies, and ultimately find a way to heal and move forward.
The book is beautifully written and tackles tough themes such as abuse, anger, forgiveness, and redemption. Through his experiences on the island, Cole is forced to confront his past and the pain he has caused others, as well as come to terms with the consequences of his actions. The story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, showing the transformative power of self-reflection and healing.
The characters in the book are well-developed and complex, particularly Cole who undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. The relationships he forms with the people on the island, including a mysterious white bear that he believes to be a spirit guide, are poignant and moving.
Overall, Touching Spirit Bear is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it. It is a story of redemption, forgiveness, and the healing power of nature, and is a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and inspiring tale.