An interesting but not quite as powerful follow up to "Touching Spirit Bear." This book realistically and touchingly answers the question, "What does Cole do with the knowledge he gains from the Spirit Bear?" Cole Matthews was a troubled teen, but now that he's well on his way to healing, what legacy will he leave?

Cole and his once-victim, now-friend Peter must return to their high school to once again navigate halls packed with gangs, drugs, bullies, and fear. Will Cole be able to control himself now? Or will the old environment of torment cause the monster of his anger to rise again?

The story is strong, but it lacks some of the raw emotional punch of the first book. Still, it's a worthy little continuation of Cole and Peter's story, and a way of showing that sometimes it's hard to heal, but it's even harder to share that healing. ( )

Ghost of Spirit Bear is the sequel to Ben Mikaelsen's " Touching Spirit Bear". The Ghost of Spirit Bear marks the return of Cole Matthews and Peter Driscal to society. Cole and Peter are forced to adjust as they are now faced by bullies. Cole's anger is challenged frequently due to his physical nature of fighting. Cole and Peter are now bestfriends and seemingly protect each other from danger. However, their highschool has now become unsafe as drugs, fighting, and bullying have become the main focus. After a student commits suicide Cole and Peter arrange a meeting to change the mascot from a bulldog to a Spirit Bear. I believe that this book shows that people can change their ways for the better in order to make a difference. Taking a stand for what is right is the best judgement of a person's character. ( )

I finished the first of the series, on auto book, in three days and couldn't wait for the second book. To watch the continued grow of Cole and Peter into really amazing young men. To see how Cole would respond when faced with a challenge to fight. To see how Peter comes back from the brink of suicide to enjoying life again. It was great. ( )

Ghost of Spirit Bear
by: Ben Mikaelson
2008
Harper
3.0 / 5.0

I did like the protagonist, Cole Matthew, despite his violent past. A year on a remote island in Alaska has helped him learn to control his violent tendencies, even befriending a boy that continually bullied him and beat him up at school. I just couldnt connect with the whole circle idea and it seemed like a silly and convenient way to a quick ending. Somehow the passion and feeling of the first book, Touching Spirit Bear, was lost. ( )

Heartbreaking and touching.
My only qualm is I'm SICK of YA books/movies/tv shows whose only proposed solution to bullying is saving the bullies life (I think I've read about four books this year that have that as a plot point...LAME!). ( )