Sophie Kinsella, quote from I've Got Your Number, You can never hate strongly unless you have loved strongly All he could do was open his beak wide and raise it upward toward the sky, the action a simple admission that he was powerless. Touching Spirit Bear is the recipient of nine awards, including the Nevada Young Readers Award and the ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults Award. It reminds us that ultimately we are the ones that decide who we are and who we may become. Thats all he ever knew. Cole stared. The novel also includes graphic descriptions of injuries. 2) Edwin and Garvey tell him that he'll need something more substantial to eat before working, but he says "no" based on what's normal for What did Edwin's friend bernie see on an island near the one on which Cole had been placed? quote from Touching Spirit Bear, all my parents do is drink. The hard ground pushed at his wounded body like a big hand shoving him away. They agree to take Cole into their own custody and return to the island for one last chance at change and healing. "You know, the stuff you just told me makes more sense than all the weird things the counselors and psychologist have told me in school and at the detention center. He wanted to live, but for that he needed help; otherwise his life would end in the nest. Struggling with distance learning? The "magical wise Indigenous elder" trope is really, really problematic, especially when the author doesn't take the time to accurately represent the Indigenous culture theyre writing about. This quote, near the end of the novel, summarizes in a sentence the point of the book's title and, indeed, of the whole book. Left to die after the attack, Cole comes to realize his own vulnerability and need to change. "What you focus on becomes reality. Touching Spirit Bear is a great book to utilize when learning about symbols because much of the symbolism is deliberately explained in the story. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. typical of the Information Age but is a habit disdained by some diehard readers. Nobody understood him. Nevertheless, the Healing Circle proved pivotal in keeping Cole out of jail. Do not read this just for a casual read, this book really taught me how to shed harmful resentments from my heart and has more to offer to those seeking a revival of the soul (of sorts). Those who focus on anger will always be angry. Can you ever forgive me?, I just know that my dads not going to ever come back to say hes sorry. Our surroundings and other people only affect us if we let them for good or for bad. Yours was simply food because that is all you chose for it to be. When Cole is alone on the island once again, he employs all of the advice that Garvey and Edwin gave him and begins his healing journey. despite the fact that Cole, himself, is in pain. Even while still in the hospital, Edwin warns Cole that ''a person is never done being mad. quote from Touching Spirit Bear, People change two ways --- with slow persistent pressure, or with a single and sudden traumatic experience. He grabs a tuft of the bears fur, and the bear nods in understanding before wandering off. Complete your free account to request a guide. "Why live if you cant help others and make the world a better place?" Nature is a pervasive theme in Touching Spirit Bear. 63 lessons Instant PDF downloads. -Graham S. Restorative justice is, as the novel explains, a method of helping offenders and victims heal through communication. This story was okay. Based on the Justice Circles performed by the natives in Alaska, this story involves a young man named Cole. Cole is always angry, at his parents, at other people, and about how much he hates his life. "i'm no indian!" Edwin says this to Cole in order for him to appreciate the importance of nature in general but also to understand its importance for his own healing. In his first few days on the island, he has several encounters with a majestic, white bear called a Spirit Bear, and he is determined to kill it out of anger. Mom said his parents beat him up, too. Welcome back. Upon returning for a second time to the island, Garvey makes this comment to Cole in order to help him understand the importance of changing one's mindset. You only tame it. interesting, well written and has potential to enhance the readers life. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. But also happiness. But helping others is how I help myself., Garvey nodded. - Why?, If someone is treated as if his life is worthless, he begins to believe it.. After spitting at Edwin, Cole thinks to himself, ''What was this old guy's problem anyway?'' This includes his father (who beats him), his mother (who ignores the beatings), and the world in general. The sparrows were so frail, helpless, and innocent. It claws, bites, and crushes Cole, breaking his arm and leaving him with gaping wounds. A while after the attack, the Spirit Bear tamely approaches and comes within inches of Coles face. Those who focus on happiness will-" Touching Spirit Bear is a novel geared towards ten year olds. 'It's true,' he whispered. Peter suffers head trauma, speech problems, and constant nightmares as consequences of Coles actions. All white. - It is from this position of vulnerability that he understands the wonder of nature. [Cole] couldnt stop wondering why he had been born and thinking about all the twisted events that had brought him to this moment. You only tame it., Why live if you cant help others and make the world a better place?, People change two ways --- with slow persistent pressure, or with a single and sudden traumatic experience., How much of the world did people miss because they were not calm enough, empty enough, to experience it?, Animals can teach us more about ourselves than any teacher., Happiness, like anger, is also a habit. the second half of this book really just irritated me, and made me wary of reading the sequel, which i have already purchased. Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis, The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions. I used to be like that., Garvey shook his head. How could he have once wanted someone to feel that way? that we have the best of both worlds at BookQuoters; we read books cover-to-cover but One of the final scenes of the novel shows the extent of Cole's transformation. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Wang, Bella ed. How much beauty had he destroyed? p 114. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Thats Circle Justice. Do you know what it's like waking up every morning knowing you're not good enough? Refine any search. Beginning today, he would tell the truth. Nothing had been his fault. The wilderness island setting for Cole's banishment and the Indian traditions surrounding the place demonstrate the centrality of nature to understanding the environment, culture, and personal healing. At the beginning of the novel, Cole is a youth who does not take any responsibility for his actions, even when those actions have disastrous consequences for others. After years of violence and trouble with the law, Cole took his criminal streak a step too far when he viciously beat a classmate of his named Peter Driscal onto the floor of his school sidewalk. ", all my parents do is drink. Struggling with distance learning? We learn that Coles alcoholic father physically abused Cole while he was growing up. Remind you of anybody we know?, Your father isnt a bad person, but when he was younger, he had parents who beat him for everything he did. His words would become his only proof" (112). Cole stared. This thought drifted about in his head but failed to gain meaning. "Edwin tapped Cole's shoulder with the broken stick. One day, when he sees the bear, he stabs it with his knife and a makeshift spear. Cole suggests that Peter come to the island and heal with him, and Edwin agrees that it may work. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1715 titles we cover. Peter hadnt sounded like this before. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. character, But his life isnt worthless, Cole protested. And so worth your time, guy or girl. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Touching Spirit Bear: Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis Next Chapter 11 Themes and Colors Key Summary Analysis Cole thinks about the sparrows as he struggles to stay alive. It is only after he gets mauled close to death by a mysterious bear of Native American legend that he begins accept responsibility for his actions and change for the better. 1) He refuses the gloves Edwin offers him so that he won't get blisters, citing that he is not a "wimp.". All white. On the island, Cole sees a white bear and knows it is a Spirit Bear, which Edwin told him about. And I was never able to help those I hurt., Cole looked up, surprised. We assign a color and icon like this one. In the past, everything had always been afraid of him. I will also find my boys from last year who struggled to find something "good" to read and demand they read this! He eats mice and insects to stay alive, and just as he is about to resign himself to death, the Spirit Bear returns to him. Teachers and parents! You learn to be happy one day at a time. I lived my early years here in Drake, but no one cared enough to take me through Circle Justice. He shook his head with a sad smile. The dances, carving the totem, carrying the ancestor rock, touching the Spirit Bear, it was all the same thingit was finding out who I really was.. What does this prove? LitCharts Teacher Editions. However, Cole's acts of aggression are not always necessarily violent but are sometimes done in an attempt to demean or demoralize those around him or out of misplaced anger. There are only two things wrong with meeverything I do and everything I say. Mikaelsen describes. Cole: [Peters] never going to forgive me., Garvey: Think how much your arm and hip still hurt. Ive never done anything to him., Garvey smiled. Being invisible meant not being sensed or felt.. Chapter 8. They don't just work with the courts to banish young offenders to remote islands and be all, "Well, I'll be back in a few weeks to see if you're still alive! Whatever you do to the animals, you do to yourself. Cole stays calm and gives Peter all the time and patience he needs. This delinquent has been in trouble with the law since he was a mere child. Touching Spirit Bear Quotes 194 Words1 Page In the novel Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, the main character Cole Matthews demonstrates he is reckless on several occasions. Cole's unchecked anger is a red flag that he too will be abusive like his father if the circle isn't broken. This insight is also deeply psychological and represents a sort of self-therapy that Cole had been conducted to understand better his own feelings and to cast out those that are negative. In an attempt to avoid jail, Cole goes through a program called Circle Justice, which focuses on helping kids instead of sending them to jail. (including. Instead of jail time or being send to a special home, Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender. Theres a lot you can learn from it. Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear, 3. They send him to an island. 1. The bear at this point becomes very much symbolic in that it appears as a sign that Cole and Peter have found the right path to their personal growth and are ready for the next step of their lives. Rather than reacting violently as he might have done before, Cole calmly confronts Peter in the cabin, asking simply, ''Why did you wreck my bear carving?'' Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you One theme suggested in the book is everyone has anger, but you must learn to control it. Sometimes people hurt each other trying to figure things out. Cole gazed into the flames. Ben Mikaelsen, Touching Spirit Bear, Copyright 2018 Lage, Daniel. Somehow this gets him shipped out to a remote island in Southeast Alaska to be outdoorsy for a year, mostly alone but occasionally visited by Tlingit mentors who disgorge a steady stream of tough love and folksy wisdom. Quotes By Ben Mikaelsen. Cole even spits at the Spirit Bear. Peter and Cole decide to go to the soaking pond by themselves, and while there, Peter angrily confronts Cole. One day Cole runs into a fellow classmate, Peter, and fights him. I loved this story and can't wait to share it with my students this year! He didnt start school until age nine, when he was old enough to attend the boarding school where his siblings went. Select files or add your book in reader. To avoid jail after brutally assaulting a boy, he joins Circle Justice, a group dedicated to helping criminals repent and change. quote from Touching Spirit Bear, Anger is a memory never forgotten. who share an affinity for books. Get help and learn more about the design. As summer approaches, the boys continue to interact, with Peter continuing to be reluctant to forgive Cole. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. Learn your place or youll have a rough time.. Dont Poke the Bear. Spirit Bears are American black bears with a rare recessive gene that gives them white or buff coats. He is instructed to take a soak in a freezing pond every morning to clear his mind of anger. 2) Edwin and Garvey tell him that he'll need something more substantial to eat before working, but he says "no" based on what's normal for What did Edwin's friend bernie see on an island near the one on which Cole had been placed? How much beauty had he missed in his lifetime? He is sent to an island in Alaska, completely on his own. Hinton | Character & Quotes, Killer Kane in Freak the Mighty | Summary & Analysis, Bud's Rules in Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis | Significance & Analysis, Peak by Roland Smith | Book Summary & Analysis, A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park | Summary & Themes, Dally's Death in The Outsiders by S.E. - I never told him he was worthless, Cole argued. Or did his? Cole arrives on the island with bravado and a sense of entitlement. Everybody carries anger inside. The narrator gives us this insight into Cole's thoughts as he lies on the floor just after the Spirit Bear attacked him. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. After days he sees the Spirit bear and gets mauled (he deserved it). Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. As he is able to control his emotions, he is able to control himself, and once he controls himself, he is able to take responsibility for his actions. And so are you. 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