Ben Mikaelsen's 'Touching Spirit Bear'

This excellent YA novel was not included on my earlier list (posted here at the end of last month), but I'm including it now, even though it's publication date is 2001. What I love about this well-written story is the depth to which the author takes his protagonist before attempting to bring him back (experience an epiphany)--a remarkable construct of character that requires a profound understanding of both human nature and the adolescent mind.

A teaching colleague and friend commented recently that 'Touching Spirit Bear' is a book he always has in the back of his mind while recommending/helping students make reading selections. He added that what is required in the case of this title is 'a reader who is mature enough' to handle the tough dialogue and raw message. I agree completely with that assessment. This is not a book for casual pickup, but rather one that might give a particular struggling student a needed 'jolt.' The story intends to grab the reader's attention, and it succeeds with room to spare!

Also woven into the story is the 'spirit bear' theme. Because of how compelling the plot and characters are, readers would be drawn into a closer investigation of the hereditary science behind these remarkable creatures. What exactly is a double-recessive gene? What produces an albino offspring? Since these double het animals do not have pink eyes (are non-albino), how do they differ from the more common albino variety? What are the myths and legends surrounding these animals in the Native/Indigenous world?

Teachers looking for a title to use with students for serious self-assessment and/or to affect change in attitude will find this book quite useful. Particularly beneficial with reluctant boy readers, looking for a no-nonsense, realistic perspective. It carries my highest recommendation.