Just Read

SUMMARY:
Cole Matthews has led his life fighting, stealing, and instilling fear in those around him. His life is brought to a crossroads when he beats Peter Driscal so badly that Pete suffers from brain damage that affects his coordination and speech. Cole is given a choice between Native American Circle Justice and prison. Cole chooses Circle Justice - he believes it is one way to avoid jail and get off easily. The Circle sentences him to one year in complete isolation on a remote Alaskan island.

In the first few days Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear (Spirit Bear) and nearly dies. While Cole lies near death, he begins to realize the error of his ways. He decides that if he makes it out alive, he will do anything to change. Will Cole be able to subdue his anger, come to terms with the physical abuse he has had to endure, go back to live with no help on the island where he almost died, and find a way to help Peter?

WHO WOULD LOVE THIS BOOK? A kid who...

loves Survivor
likes Gary Paulsen and/or Hatchet
is from a First Nations background
has been in trouble and needs a wake-up call
will identify with a protagonist who is constantly in trouble or on the wrong side of the law
likes gritty, realistic, and potentially graphic images (e.g. bear mauling)
is a reluctant reader

WHAT ELSE?
This is not a book for readers with a gentle stomach. Mikaelsen creates graphic scenes that will churn your stomach when Cole Matthews is left to die after being mauled by the bear.

It provides an interesting view into alternative forms of justice and reparation, and into the First Nations’ culture. Some background from the site is as follows:

"The sentencing circle is a method of dealing with members of
the community that have broken the law. A sentencing circle is
conducted after the individual has been in the present western
justice system and found guilty or if the accused has accepted
guilt and is willing to assume their responsibility. This sentencing
method encourages the offender and the community to accept
responsibility and acknowledges the harm they have done to society and to victims.

A sentencing circle's aim is to shift the process of sentencing from
punishment to rehabilitation and responsibility. It provides a new
alternative for courts to incarceration. The sentencing circle proves an opportunity to start the healing process for both the offender and the victim. The offender is presented with the impact of their actions in front of respected community members, elders, peers, family, the victim and their family, stimulating an opportunity for real change."