This book is not among the genres that I usually read. That said I read it because the sixth-grade class where I work was reading it and I wanted to be able to help the kids if I could. I found myself quite absorbed in Touching Spirit Bear. It is fast-paced and shows a different justice system that has existed among the Indigenous peoples for centuries. The focus is on healing and restoration rather than punishment. I rather doubt any court system would allow a teenager to spend a year alone on an Alaskan island, but it made for a fascinating story. Other than one extremely gross chapter I really enjoyed this book. I was interested to learn of some native customs and the scenery descriptions were fantastic. I also like the theme of restitution. This is a great book for group reading, offering many discussion topics. So grab your coffee and your students to enjoy a great read.
From Amazon:
In his Napra Nautilus Award-winning novel Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a poignant 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 from himself.
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