Hey Teen Books Hey

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen

I don’t review enough books that aren’t mainly marketed to girls. Did that sound awkward? It’s because I kind of don’t believe there is such a thing as boy books and girl books. That is, I think anyone should read what they want to read. However, I understand that the main audience for most of the books I read are expected to be girls. So I’m going to try to review some books that I imagine people expect boys would like.

I am so damn awkward this morning. Please excuse me. I just woke up.

Alright on to the actual actual review. This is a middle grade novel, but definitely worth reading at any age. It’s about Cole Matthews, who has been stealing and violent for years. This culminates into him smashing Pete Driscal’s skull against a sidewalk, leaving him brain damaged.

Cole is given two options. Juvie, or Circle Justice—banishment to an Alaskan Island. (This is apparently an actual thing that happens.) Cole chooses Circle Justice, simply because he thinks it will be better than jail.

While on the island, Cole battles his anger and blaming behaviors. Isolation is pretty well written here, but the best part of Touching Spirit Bear is that it is the most challenging coming of age story I have ever read.

This is a bad review, but I have to get ready for work. Anyway, if you are into coming of age, this is a quick read to check out.

-Becky