Survival skills for the real world in “Touching Spirit Bear”

This fall, every student at Polk County Middle School will read Ben Mikaelsen’s novel “Touching Spirit Bear.” The book follows the journey of Cole Matthews, a troubled teen who must navigate the juvenile justice system after committing a heinous crime. During his sentence, a year in isolation on a remote Alaskan island, Cole must turn inward and answer hard questions about his life in order to find forgiveness from his victim and himself.

Cole’s experience on the island provides the obstacles and confidence he needs to experience the changes he needs in order to not only survive, but to thrive in both his Alaskan isolation and the world he left behind.

Students will participate in a Day of Survival, where they will learn about real-world survival skills from a variety of community members and organizations. Teachers will work with multiple community partners who will lead workshops and activities to help our students sharpen their outdoor wilderness skills.

If you would like to donate copies of the book, please write a check to Polk County Middle School, where we have a special fund established to provide a copy of this book to every student.

If you would like to participate in our Survival Day, or if you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Ferran at Jferran@polkschools.org.

– article submitted by Jeanne Ferran