Activities and Discussion Questions

Activities and Discussion Questions Click here to go to Ben Mikaelsen’s web page.

Click on the buttons to see pages. About the Author Characters Vocabulary Chapter Summaries Activities Assessment of Novel Writing Prompts Discussion Questions Chapters 1-2 Chapters 16-18 Chapters 3-5 Chapters 19-21 Chapters 6-8 Chapters 22-25 Chapters 9-12 Chapters 26-28 Chapters 13-15

Chapter Summary Chapters 1-2 Chapters 16-18 Chapters 3-5 Chapters 19-21 Chapters 6-8 Chapters 22-25 Chapters 9-12 Chapters 26-28 Chapters 13-15 Click on the buttons to see slides.

Give one synonym and one antonym for each word. Vocabulary Chapters 1-2 Chapters 16-18 Chapters 3-5 Chapters 19-21 Chapters 6-8 Chapters 22-25 Chapters 9-12 Chapters 26-28 Chapters 13-15

Ben Mikaelsen Author Ben Mikaelsen, has won the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writer's Golden Spur Award. In addition, his novels have won many state Reader's Choice awards. These novels include Rescue Josh McGuire, Sparrow Hawk Red, Stranded, Countdown, Petey, Touching Spirit Bear, Red Midnight , Tree Girl and Ghost of Spirt Bear. His novel's, Rescue JoshMcGuire, Petey and Touching Spirit Bear have also been optioned for screen use. Ben's articles and photos have appeared in numerous magazines around the world. His novels have been carried by Scholastic and Troll book fairs, and are recorded on unabridged audio tape with recorded books. Recently Ben was featured nationally on Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures and also on German national TV. Ben lives in a log cabin near Bozeman, Montana, with a 750 pound black bear that he adopted and has raised for the last twenty five years.

Characters Cole Matthews: a 15-year-old juvenile delinquent consumed with anger. Peter Driscal: the boy who turned Cole in for robbing a hardware store; Cole beats him in retaliation. Garvey: Cole’s parole officer and a Tlingit Indian Edwin: a Tlingit elder who helps with Circle Justice; has also spent time on the island in banishment; tells Cole about the Spirit Bear. William Matthews: Cole’s abusive, alcoholic father Cindy Matthews: Cole’s timid, alcoholic mother Rosey: the nurse who cares for Cole

Chapters 1-2Summary Cole Matthews is a 15-year-old juvenile delinquent whose parents have gotten him out of trouble many times when he pretends to be sorry for crimes he has committed. This time Cole is in trouble because he beat up a kid who told authorities that Cole had robbed a hardware store. After three months in a juvenile detention cell, Cole is allowed to participate in Circle Justice, a Native American plan of healing, not punishment. He will spend a year alone on an island in Southeast Alaska. Cole thinks he has fooled everyone once again and will escape the island. As soon as the skiff that brought him to the island leaves, he rages and sets fire to the small wooden shelter and all the supplies that he was provided.

Chapter 1-2 Vocabulary Numbers denote on which pages words can be found.

Chapters 1-2Discussion questions • Cole must wear his clothes inside out for two weeks. Why? Cole takes off his clothes in front of the villagers on the shore. What does this say about his character? • Cole thinks Edwin acts fearless, but Cole believes everyone is afraid of something. Does that include him? What is he afraid of How does a person look fearless.

Chapters 1-2Answers • It will show his humility and shame. He’s not at all ashamed and wants to thwart any symbol of humility. • Cole is afraid of jail. See page 5 for how a person looks fearless.

Chapters 1-2Discussion questions • Cole believes there will always be another last chance. Why? • Cole always blames someone else for his behavior. Give examples from the book. What does this say about his maturity level?

Chapters 1-2Answers • He’s been bailed out of trouble over and over by his parents, even though he’s told each time is his last chance. He doesn’t believe them anymore and doesn’t fear a punishment that never happens. P. 6 • If Peter had known how to fight back, Cole wouldn’t be in detention. p. 8 If his television privileges hadn’t been taken away, he wouldn’t have trashed his room and bloodied his knuckles. Pp. 22-23

Chapters 1-2Discussion questions 5. Circle Justice tries to heal, not punish. How does it work? 6. Why would Cole say he isn’t afraid of dying?

Chapters 1-2Answers 5. The person who has caused injury to someone or something must take responsibility for his actions and make amends. It requires the cooperation of the person who has been harmed, and the person who has caused injury must want to change his behavior. pp. 10-12 6. He’s convinced himself that he fears nothing and that others are morons. P. 14, 17

Chapters 1-2Discussion questions 7. Why does Cole burn down his only shelter? • Prediction: Who will be Cole’s sponsor? • Prediction: Will Cole touch the Devil’s Club?

Chapters 1-2Answers 7. His rage overcomes his good sense, and he gives into it. He doesn’t seem to comprehend cause and effect. Pp. 24-25 • Prediction: Who will be Cole’s sponsor? • Prediction: Will Cole touch the Devil’s Club?

Chapters 3-5Summary Cole stares at the fire and thinks back to a meeting with Garvey, his parole officer, but then looks at the fire again and laughs a demonic laugh. He takes off his clothes and starts swimming toward a nearby island. The frigid water numbs his legs, but he keeps swimming and thinks about the first Hearing Circle where his parents, Peter and others gave their opinion of what should happen to him. He swims until he notices that the tide is taking him back to the island. He collapses on the shore, crawls a bit, then sleeps. When he awakens, he catches a glimpse of the Spirit Bear and threatens to kill it. At dawn he sees the at.oow and wraps himself in it.

Chapters 3-5Discussion questions • What does Cole think are the ingredients of his “cake”? Are these the types of experiences that make a person who he is? • Champ is what Garvey usually calls Cole, but after a discussion about the Hearing Circle, Garvey calls him Chump. Why? What does this say about Garvey’s attitude toward Cole? • There are many Circles of Understanding including Talking Circles, Peace-making Circles, Community Circles, Bail Circles, Sentencing Circles, and Hearing Circles. Why isn’t Cole’s presence required at all of them?

Chapters 3-5Answers • His life has been make of times he was teased, times of loneliness, times he’s been arrested, times his parents have argued, times his drunken dad has beaten him, and times his drunken mom has ignored him. P. 30 • He’s usually encouraging, but this time he’s discouraged with Cole’s attitude. P. 33 • His presence might discourage healing, and many people who have been affected by Cole’s violence need to heal. P. 34-35

Chapters 3-5 Discussion questions • At Circle Justice, Cole doesn’t like holding hands with his parents. Compare the way his parents hold his hands. What do their individual grips say about their characters? • Cole is moved by Peter’s slow, halting speech. Who does he blame for Peter’s injuries? • Why doesn’t Cole regret burning the shelter and supplies and hurting Peter? • Prediction: Will the at.oow become precious to Cole?

Chapters 3-5Answers • His mother’s is a weak squeeze, and his father’s is iron-hard. His mother’s grip shows very little assurance, and his father’s is an angry grip. P. 37 • He blames Peter. If Peter had kept his mouth shut, Cole wouldn’t have had to beat him. P. 40 • He is still set on revenge and blaming someone else for his actions. P. 45 • Explain your prediction.

Chapters 6-8Summary As Cole gets dressed, he thinks of Circle Justice and his lying father. He coaxes some embers of the burned shelter into a flame and feeds the fire. He blames Garvey for his isolation on the island. At the Circle, Cole had suggested sending him some place where he couldn’t hurt anyone, but not to jail. Garvey had suggested taking Cole to the island. The bear appears again, and Cole makes a spear to fight it, but the bear disappears. He finds a dead fish and cooks and eats it while he awaits the tide. The bear appears again, and Cole approaches to fight. The bear mauls Cole, breaking his arm, leg, ribs, and pelvis. Cole lies in the rain, awaiting death.

Chapters 6-8Discussion questions • At the Circle Justice meeting, Garvey says that Cole isn’t the only problem, but he’s a symptom of a bigger problem. What other problems are there? • The Circle’s solution to Cole’s problem must include protecting society from Cole’s violence and making him responsible for his own actions. Why isn’t locking him in jail a good solution? • At the end of the Circle meeting, Cole refuses to hold his parents’ hands so they won’t know how sweaty his hands are. What does this say about Cole’s character? • What does Garvey mean when he says living on the island will be hard because Cole can’t manipulate a storm, lie to his hunger, and cheat the cold? • Why doesn’t Cole back away from the bear? • Why does Cole kill the caterpillar? What does this say about his character? Has it changed since the beginning of the book? • Prediction: Will Cole see the bear again?

Chapters 6-8Answers • The family unit and the community have broken down. Many people at the Circle meeting have emotional or physical damage, including Cole’s parents. Solutions for Cole’s family may involve better communication and less alcohol consumption. P. 49. • His physical needs will be provided for, and it achieves the first goal, but not the second. P. 50 • He talks as though he fears nothing, but he’s disturbed y all that’s been said about him. P. 51 • Garvey knows that Cole is a cheater, a liar, and a manipulator. Those bad attributes sometimes work against other people, but they will not work against nature. Cole will find that he cannot control nature. P. 57 • The bear’s stillness gives him courage, so he thinks the bear is afraid of him. All his hurt and anger won’t let him turn back, and he wants to be in control of the bear. P. 64 • He thinks he is teaching it a lesson., but he;s trying to exert some control over a situation where he is helpless. P. 71-72

Chapters 9-12Summary Cole lies in the rain in pain. He watches a mother sparrow feed her babies in a nearby tree and feels anger. The Spirit Bear returns, but just looks at him. When lightning strikes a tree, Cole wonders if the little birds are okay. He sees the dead little birds and decides he wants to live. He eats grass, worms, and bugs. He covers parts of his body with mud to keep the mosquitoes away. The Spirit Bear returns and comes close to him. Cole thinks the bear may kill him, but he feels trust, and he reaches out and touches it. He drifts in and out of consciousness. He thinks birds are attacking him when Garvey and Edwin arrive and take him off the island in a skiff.

Chapters 9-12Discussion questions • Why does Cole feel such anger toward the mother sparrow and her young? How does he feel after lightning hits the tree? Why have his feelings changed? • Once Cole decides to live, he figures out that his power of making people afraid of him is fake. What is the real power? What has changed his thoughts? • The author goes into great detail about Cole eating the mouse. How is the death of the mouse different from the first caterpillar Cole kills? What would you eat if you were in Cole’s situation? • Each time the Spirit Bear comes, Cole feels different emotions. Why does his attitude toward the bear change? • Why does the Spirit Bear treat Cole with mere curiosity when Cole sees it the last time? Do you know someone who has treated animals badly? • Although Cole is in horrible physical shape, he tells Garvey that he’s okay. What does he mean by this statement? • Prediction: Will Cole be taken back to the island when he’s well?

Chapters 9-12Answers • He sees the sparrow treating her young as he would have liked to have been treated by his mother. He wonders if they are okay. P. 75, 79 • Power to make choices. He thinks of the baby birds and what their lives represented. P. 83-84 • The mouse provides nourishment for Cole; he killed the first caterpillar out of spite. P. 88-89 • He’s fearful of death at first, then he’s defiant, and the final time he is calm and accepts that if he dies, then it is his time. He understands the circle of life. P. 76, 91-96 • The bear has treated him as he’s been treated. Edwin told Cole, “Whatever you to to the animals, you do to yourself” (p.18) p. 91-96 • He means that he is at peace with himself and nature. P. 102 • Explain your prediction.

Chapters 13-15Summary Cole has nightmares as he awaits transfer to the hospital. Garvey says he’s very sorry he got Cole into this, but Cole admits it’s his own fault. He tells about the Spirit Bear, but doesn’t think anyone believes him. Six months later he gets out of the hospital and knows that he has changed. He goes to his detention cell and then to the Justice Circle. His father doesn’t come to the Circle, but his mother has quit drinking and talks to Cole about starting over. Cole’s father has been charged with child abuse, and Cole learns that his grandparents beat his father. He hopes not to carry on that cycle of abuse. The Circle talks of sending Cole to the court system, and Cole is resigned to that fate. Edwin comes to the Circle from Alaska. He and Garvey convince the Circle to allow Cole to go back to the island.

Chapters 13-15Discussion questions • As Cole lay near death at Rosey’s, Garvey tells him he’s sorry he got him into this. Cole says it was his fault. What does this say about Cole’s attitude? Has Cole changed for good? Why or why not? • Cole wants something to take away the monsters in his dream and in his life. Rosey tells him only he can do that. How can he do this? • Cole says he’s done being mad, but Edwin tells him, “Anger is a memory never forgotten. You only tame it” (p. 110). Do you agree with this? Why or why not? • Cole’s dad was abused as a child. He is abusive to Cole. How do you feel toward Cole’s dad now that you understand him better? • Edwin says people change in two ways—with slow persistent pressure or by a significant happening. Do you agree with his analysis of change? Which way do you think works better and why? • What is the difference between changing overnight and changing direction? Which is more likely? • What is the tone of the book so far? Cite examples to support your answer. • Prediction: Will Cole succeed on the island this time?

Chapters 13-15Answers • He’s not blaming someone else for the situation he’s in. P. 105 • He must take responsibility for his life and how it affects others. P. 105-108 • Edwin believes that anger will always lie below the surface, but a person must learn to control it. • He is still in charge of his own life and makes his own decisions. You may be more sympathetic, but Cole’s dad must live with the consequences of his actions. P. 121-122 • P. 127 128 answers will vary. (opinion) • As Edwin says, people don’t change completely overnight, but changing direction is the first step in changing permanently. P. 128 • The tone is serious with major themes of behavior modification and learning forgiveness of oneself and others. (This is an inference) • Explain your prediction.

Chapters 16-18Summary Cole sells his possessions to earn money for his banishment. He, Garvey, and Edwin set out for the island with supplies onboard. The two Tlingits teach Cole how to value food and how to build a shelter, but Cole must do all the work. Edwin takes Cole to a frigid pond each morning. The three perform whale dances one evening. Edwin tells Cole he should honor his ancestors.

Chapters 16-18Discussion questions • Cole doesn’t want to part with his sports equipment. Do you think Cole bought his snowmobile and dirt bike with money he earned? Who gave him those things? • Garvey and Edwin believe in Cole’s potential, but don’t believe he’s earned trust. How can people earn trust? • Cole tosses and turns his first night on the island. He wants Peter to get better, but he’s growing angry. What does this say about his character? • Edwin says a person develops a habit of looking at either the cloudy or the sunny side of life. Do you think a person can control how he looks at his problems? • The Tlingits tell Cole he should eat more breakfast and wear gloves, but he chooses not to, and they don’t insist. What is their method of teaching him? • Prediction: Will Garvey and Edwin tell Cole what crimes they committed?

Chapters 16-18Answers • With no mention of a part-time job and because that type of responsibility wouldn’t match Cole’s attitude, you can assume his parents bought these things. P. 134 • Keep their word; they obey the law; they are responsible for their actions. P. 137 • He’s very confused and hasn’t managed to control his anger. He wants Peter to get better because of what he’s been through the last few months in the hospital. Living the same experience helps a person become empathetic. P. 141 • Answers will vary. P. 144-146 • He must live with his choices. He’ll be hungry, and he’ll get blisters, but he will learn form his mistakes. P. 147-149 • Explain your prediction.

Chapters 19-21Summary Cole is tired and says he’s going to bed in defiance of an order to fix supper and dance the wolf dance. The Tlingits say they will take him off the island, and he pleads for them to let him stay. He fixes supper and dances alone. The next morning he goes to the pond, caries the ancestor stone to the top of the hill, and catches a glimpse of the Spirit Bear. He says he’s learned he must forgive others the harm they’ve done him. He’s allowed to finish the cabin, and he fixes a great feast. The two men leave the next day. Cole cuts wood and makes furniture. He finds a huge log and starts to make a canoe to escape, but changes his mind and starts carving a totem pole instead. Edwin checks on him after four days, and Cole tells him the truth about the canoe.

Chapters 19-21Discussion questions • Why does Cole’s bad attitude return at the camp? What does this say about Cole’s promise to change? • Cole thinks of lying about going to the pond and carrying the ancestor rock. What stops him? • Cole leaves the pond when he finishes his soak, not because he’s too cold or impatient. How do you think Cole knows when he is finished with his soak? P. 164 • During Cole’s feast, the wind keeps blowing out the candle, but Cole gets the lantern mantel to protect it because the meal needs a candle. Why is that important to him? • Why does Cole skip the soak and the walk up the hill after he brings the log back to his camp? What does this say about his character? • Prediction: When will Cole dance the dance of anger?

Chapters 19-21Answers • He’s tired, and he wants help with the building, but the other just watch. He says he’s not their slave. P. 149-160 • He knows the men can’t be lied to this morning, and he doesn’t want to jeopardize his chance of staying on the island. • Answers will vary. P. 164 • He wants to impress the men with their final meal on the island, and he wants a celebration to show them he’s changed. P. 170 • He’s reverting to his old attitude by thinking of escaping instead of thinking of healing. P. 179-180 • Explain your prediction.

Chapters 22-25Summary Cole learns that to be invisible, he must clear his mind. After he becomes one with his environment, letting rain fall on him and run down his face, he sees the Spirit Bear. That evening he dances the dance of anger and learns that he must forgive himself. He learns from Edwin that Peter has tried to commit suicide. Cole wants to help him. Peter, his parents, Garvey, and Edwin come to the island. Garvey will stay with Peter and Cole. Peter says he doesn’t want Cole’s help and acts terrified of him.

Chapters 22-25Discussion questions • Cole decides, “Being invisible had nothing to do with being seen. Being invisible meant not being sensed or felt? P. 189) Why is this his definition of invisibility? • From the dance of anger, Cole learns, “Being angry is giving someone else control of my feelings so they own me. Forgiving gives me control again” (p. 196). Who has controlled Cole in his past? Do you agree with Cole’s statement? Why or why not? • Each time Cole sees Edwin, he asks about Peter. What does this say about the changes in him? • Most people fear death because it is unknown, yet Peter is searching for it. Why? • Cole wants Peter to experience the island. What does this say about his experience on the island? • Cole tells Peter that he didn’t mean to harm him when he beat him up. It was the only thing he knew. Does this excuse Cole? Why or why not? • Prediction: Will Cole earn Peter’s forgiveness so both of them can heal?

Chapters 22-25Answers • He understands that if another creature does not feel threatened by a person and that person does not fear the creature, then that person is invisible. P. 189 • His father, Peter, Garvey, his mother, and Edwin have controlled him.. • He is concerned about the boy he hurt, and he wants to make amends. P. 196, 200-201 • Other fear have taken over his mind, and he feels death is an escape from those fears. P. 203 • He has learned to forgive others, and he wants Peter to feel that, too. P. 206-207 • P. 214 Answers vary. • Explain your prediction.

Chapters 26-28Summary Cole sleeps in a leaky tent while Peter and Garvey take over the cabin. Cole makes overtures to Peter that Peter refuses, but one evening he says it’s okay if Cole comes into the cabin where it’s warmer. Peter begins taunting Cole: he throws a rock at him, he shoves him, and he walks with muddy boots on Cole’s sleeping bag. Peter begins carving his own totem pole. One day Peter suggests that only he and Cole should go to soak in the pool. Peter attacks Cole, and Cole doesn’t fight back. Once Peter collapses and sobs, Cole hugs him. The see the Spirit Bear. Later Cole gives the at.oow to Peter. Together they finish Cole’s totem pole with a circle carved for forgiveness.

Chapters 26-28Discussion questions • Mr. Driscal threatens Cole with jail if he hurts Peter again. Do you think Mr. Driscal will ever get over his anger toward Cole? How can he do this? P. 217 Answers vary. • Cole hasn’t seen a clock in nearly a year. He does things when the feeling strikes him. Could you live like this? Why or why not? • Cole wonders if Peter realizes he and Garvey are collecting firewood for Peter, but Garvey says they are all there because of Cole. Has Cole forgotten why they are all on the island. • Peter acts aggressively toward Cole by throwing a rock, shoving him, walking on his sleeping bag, knocking Cole’s jacket off a hook, and leaving the cabin door open. Why is Peter doing these things? What does this say about changes occurring in Peter? • Why does Cole hug Peter after Peter beats him up? Why did the boys become invisible to the Spirit Bear? • Do you think a circle is a good symbol for forgiveness? Why or why not? • Prediction: Will Cole’s father ever overcome his anger?

Chapters 26-28Answers • Answers will vary. P. 217 • It’s a matter of adjusting to measuring time by the sun or by when things need to be done. P. 220 • No, he’s just preoccupied with helping Peter. P. 222 • He’s testing Cole to see if he will react. He’s feeling more secure in his won worth. P. 223-228 • He wants to show his forgiveness and that his intentions are not to harm Peter. They were not feeling aggressive toward any creature. P. 237-238 • Answers will vary. P. 239-240 • Explain your prediction.

Activities and Discussion Questions