Within Cole Matthews lies anger, rage, and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Peter Driscal in the parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Peter may have permanent brain damage–and Cole is in the biggest trouble of his life.
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.
Download and start listening now!
"I really liked this book. I think that it really managed to stay true to how the main character would act and the change that took place in him. I think that this book really portrays taking responsibility for ones own actions and what it takes to get to that point very well. There are is a small amount of gore violence. I would recommend this book to ages 14/15+."
— Juliana (4 out of 5 stars)
" It was good for a while, then I lost interest. I mean, this kid is a wimp, who can throw a few punches. "
— Katheryne, 2/12/2014" Very intense, but it was an awesome book! I read it for and outside reading project at school, and couldn't put it down! "
— Pandagirl672, 1/27/2014" I read this book for summer reading. I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed A Chinese Cinderella, but it was okay. "
— Carolthetiger, 1/24/2014" The best book I have ever read "
— Dante, 1/22/2014" Part survival novel, part redemption story - TSB is a good read, but I had a hard time believing Cole's turn around. I found the concept of Circle Justice to be interesting and something I would like to learn more about, but I just wasn't convinced by the redemption aspects of the story. The survivalist themes will resonate with many, and I was reminded at times of Paulsen's Hatchet and sequels. "
— Philip, 1/22/2014" It was a great book, perfect. You never knew what would happen to him next. "
— Ben, 1/16/2014" Good read for reluctant readers -- talks about bullying and anger-management, wilderness survival story. "
— Laura, 12/12/2013" it was a cute book i'll give it that much but it didn't excite me, kind of a let down "
— Kira, 12/9/2013" One of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Good lessons on anger and forgiveness and moving on from those issues. "
— Ginger, 8/21/2013" This was possibly the stupidest thing I ever read. Boring plot, unbelievably one-sided characters, the whole nine yards. Okay-written? "
— Ariana, 8/1/2013" I liked this because my students did, but it will not go down as a great for me. "
— Marilyn, 2/19/2013" This was a wonderful book full of action, adventure and amazment. "
— Youngcb, 12/23/2012" Such a good book! I was addicted to it from the beginning. It's very inspiring to see what Cole has gone through, and what others have gone through because of Cole's actions. :) "
— M6, 6/15/2012" Outstanding coming of age young adult (male protagonist) novel...beats Hatchet hands down! "
— Nicole, 1/2/2012" want a free ebook? email me the name of it and I will send you a copy for free!! stickman.mgk@gmail.com "
— Stickmn.mgk, 11/20/2011" I loved the first half but the second half was just ok. It got a little touchy feely on the end and not sure I was buying all that with Peter. There were some excellent things about this book though and I would definitely recommend it. Could really have done without the mouse though! "
— Jewell, 10/25/2010" All time favorite books. I couldn't put it down "
— Brittany, 6/28/2010" Really enjoyed this book and the main character's transformation from an angry, violent teenager to a more mature, empathetic person. A very quick read. I liked the ending but was wishing I knew even more. "
— Rhonda, 5/29/2010" I was not impressed at all with this book. I thought most of the stuff that happened to the main character was very predicatable and I think the author could have made certain parts of the book more interesting. "
— Cheyenne, 11/5/2008Ben Mikaelsen is the winner of the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writers of America Spur Award. His novels have been nominated for and won many state readers’ choice awards, including Red Midnight, Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, and Tree Girl. His articles and photos appear in numerous magazines around the world. He lives near Bozeman, Montana.