Touching Spirit Bear

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(No Transcript)
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Summary

• Cole Matthews is an angry and troubled youth. He
  confronts Peter Driscal in a parking lot and
  smashes his head against the sidewalk. Now, Peter
  may have permanent brain damage. As an
  alternative to jail, Cole is offered the option
  of participating in Circle Justice a system
  based on Native American traditions that attempts
  to provide healing for the criminal offender, the
  victim, and the community.
• Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote
  Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by a
  mysterious white bear of Native American legend.
  Hideously injured, Cole waits for death. His
  thoughts shift from anger to humility. To
  survive, he must stop blaming others and take
  responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to
  save Cole's body, but it is the attack of the
  Spirit Bear that may save his soul.
• 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.

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Audience Suitability

• Why does this book appeal to the reluctant
  reader?
• Characters who are easy for the reader to
  identify with
• Narrative is located within a realistic
  setting.
• Aboriginal content appeals to Aboriginal
  students
• Text is linear and easy to follow, and uses
  descriptive language and cliff hangers to keep
  the audience enthralled.
• Appeal of the survival adventure theme.

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Overriding Themes

• Coming of Age/Identity
• Personal Responsibility
• Community
• Violence/Anger
• Justice
• Healing/Forgiveness
• Nature/Survival
• Aboriginal Culture ()

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Serious Issues Addressed
Themes of Conflict

• Man vs. Man
• Man vs. Self
• Man vs. Nature
• Man vs. Society

• Anger
• Violence
• Physical Abuse
• Alcoholism
• Suicide

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Symbolism

• Spirit Bear - symbol of peace and harmony/finding
  the Spirit Bear represents finding Coles
  goodness
• Circle - the never ending circles of life as
  having no beginning and no end
• At.óow - manifests in many ways ancient
  protector physical and psychological properties
  of warmth, comfort, and protection as a blanket
  (ex. It would have protected him from the cold,
  the rain, the wind, and the insects. It might
  even have protected him from himself. 87)

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Symbolism cont

• Fire vs. water/Hot vs. cold - fire as Coles
  inner anger and water representing his ultimate
  inner peace
• Storm - turning point at which the release of the
  elements intensity signifies the beginning of
  Coles movement to healing/forgiveness
• Feather - symbol of respect representing the
  right to speak and be listened to

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Merits

• Easy to read/teach
• Engaging storyline
• Detailed characterization
• Availability of on-line activities/ multitude of
  teaching strategy templates

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Challenges

• Glossing over of serious issues
• Violence
• Child Abuse
• Alcoholism
• Depression
• Suicide

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Challenges Cont.

• Appropriation/Misrepresentation of Native Culture
• Circle Justice
• Animal Dances
• Ancestor Rock
• Totem Pole
• Difficult to relate the struggle of main
  character/ abrupt changes in characterization