Ghost of Spirit Bear: The Sequel About Redemption, Friendship, and Facing Bullies for Children

Spirit Bear #2

by Ben Mikaelsen

In award-winning author Ben Mikaelsen’s riveting sequel to the acclaimed word-of-mouth bestseller  Touching Spirit Bear , readers will be captivated by what Booklist calls a “hugely satisfying resolution.” Life in the wilderness—exiled from civilization as a punishment for his violent behavior—had its own set of hurdles, but for fifteen-year-old Cole Matthews, it's returning home and facing high school that feels most daunting. With gangs and physical altercations haunting the hallways of their school, Cole and his former victim Peter—who Cole has now become friends with—must face it all together. So when Peter’s limp and speech impediment make him a natural target for bullies, Cole’s suppressed rage comes bubbling to the surface a lot quicker than he anticipated. Will he throw everything away that he learned on the healing, remote Alaskan island? In this tale of survival and self-awareness, Cole realizes it's not enough to change himself. He has to change his world.

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, School, Adventure, Survival, Middle Grade

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2008

Reviews

[Mariah Roze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book of this two-book series with my students during the school school year and then I promised that I would read it sometime this summer. I am so glad I did because this book was extremely good! I'm pretty sure I enjoyed it more than the first book. However, it is a YA novel so the ending is very unrealistic, but the rest of the book is very good and has great life lessons.

"Cole Matthews used to be a violent kid, but a year in exile on a remote Alaskan island has a way of changing your perspective... But now their time in exile is over, and Cole and Peter are heading back to the one place they're not sure they can handle: high school. Gangs and violence haunt the hallways, and Peter's limp and speech impediment make him a natural target. In a school where hate and tension are getting close to the boiling point, the monster of rage hibernating inside Cole begins to stir."

[Ashley Marilynne Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in the series, Touching Spirit Bear years ago and the book had impacted me in a way no other books could. I thought it was the best children's book I'd ever read as Cole's story helped me grow by inspiring me to control my anger and find my inner strength. And since reading Touching Spirit Bear, I'd been longing to get hold of it's sequel Ghost of Spirit Bear. Little did I expect that my opportunity to read Ghost of Spirit Bear came this year, about seven years after I read Touching Spirit Bear. Upon getting hold of Ghost of Spirit Bear, I started reading it with mixed feelings of anticipation and doubt. Whilst hoping that it would produce the same serene effect on me the way it's prequel did, I was also feeling sceptical about how much the book would impact me as I am not who I was before. This book was truly jaw-dropping! It's an extremely inspirational story about how Cole and Peter mature and shine and I learnt a lot from them. Cole and Peter were heroic figures who empower others by empowering themselves. They apply what they've learnt on the Alaskan island in their previous adventure in their daily lives, inspiring me to apply what I've learnt from them.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost of Spirit Bear is the continuation of Touching Spirit Bear

Cole Matthews was fortunate to have have a parole officer who thought he was worth saving after Cole beat up a fellow student, Peter, so severely it left him with a stutter and affected his balance to the point he will never recover.

Cole’s probation officer, Garvey, kept Cole out of prison by providing him the option to volunteer for the Native American Circle Justice program where members would determine his punishment or go straight to jail. The Circle decided Cole would spend a year in banishment on a remote Alaskan island. Cole came to realize he injured Peter not because of anything Peter had done but because of self-loathing. To make restitution to Peter, Cole invited Peter to spend time with him on the remote Alaskan island and with that time spent together came forgiveness and friendship. This is where Ghost of Spirit Bear begins. After the year the boys returned to their hometown and to their high school.

When a group of troublesome students physically attacked Peter, Cole came to his rescue. Though Peter pleaded with Cole not to fight them to just let them beat him up, Cole was too enraged to hear Peter. Garvey was called and he told Cole it would be up to the Circle to determine his fate. Cole was perplex because he was defending his friend. Garvey told Cole there was a better solution and he told him what it was. The advice Garvey gave Cole allowed Cole to change his mindset from a destructive mindset into a proactive mindset.

What I liked about Ghost of Spirit Bear is how Garvey’s hands-off teaching style was kind and loving but stern.

There were so many take-a-ways from Ghost of Spirit Bear! Though written for youths, adults will realize the many ways it can help them change their mindsets to allow for positive lifestyles.

[LuAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought Touching Spirit Bear was a great book and I recommend it all the time, so naturally I was excited to see a sequel and couldn't wait to read it. I was totally disappointed. This book was diadatic, judgemental, and telly. Where was the richness of the previous book? Ghost of Spirit Bear reads more like an outline instead of a story. Too predictable and not well-developed, I'm glad I read this one from the library instead of buying my own copy.

[Syed Absar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ghost Of Spirit Bear By:Ben Mikaelsen

This story took place in a boy named Cole Mathews High School. The characters in this story are Cole Mathews, Peter,Garvey,Kieth and the spirit bear.The characters in this story seem real because they are normal kids in high school and, this could really happen. The main character looked like a mean bully at first but then as I read more he became a good person. Cole Mathews said to peter that "lets go sit in the freezer to release all of our anger" This tells me that Cole is creative by thinking of ways to release his anger.When Cole Mathews was getting bullied and beaten up by Kieth, he did not fight back this tells me that he was a good person and he was relaxed.I really liked this book because it was really interesting and the suspense was good.The theme of this story was Cole going back to his high school and facing many challenges. I think that theme is correct because Cole had to face many challenges in the story.

[Ryan Mcpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to plenty of people that are interested in hearing about someone that changed their life, then going back to their normal routine and see how they are treated. The title is almost perfect for this book because the bear lived on an island near Alaska. Cole changed dramatically because when he went to the island it changed his whole personality. A portion of why Matthew changed was because he joined the circle and started to hang out with Cole. The plot was perfect for coming back to school because he could show his peers how much he had changed on the island of Alaska.

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book. It was as if Touching Spirit Bear decided to have a child with 13 Reasons Why.

[Toad Soup · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing I love more than reading books because children asked me to. Was there a ghost? Yes. Was there a spirit bear? Yes. This delivers on the promise of the novel and gives me a great happiness

[Denice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a boy named Cole who has just gotten back from being isolated on an Alaskin penninsula. This is a sequel to Touching Spirit Bear which was a very good book. I thought this book did a very good job of showing how Cole is trying his best to get away from the bad things that are now in his life. He is in high school and many people are now bullying him and his new friend Peter.
It is a very good sequel and you should only read this book if you have read the first one. It is sometimes hard to follow if you have not read Touching Spirit Bear. When Cole and Peter are on the island they become friends and can do many things to get away from reality. When they are back in their hometown they discover many great things that are in their lives they didn't see before. One thing that the author could've done better was to give more voice to the other characters. He did good on Cole and Peter, but you really couldn't relate to the others in a positive way.

[Zibbernaut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book when I was in elementary school and I have always deeply remembered the events of it and how profound I thought the book was. I never knew it had a sequel--and all these years later I was so nervous about picking this up in fear it would ruin my memory of the perfect standalone book from my childhood.

This book was surprising in that it didn't let me down... but it also exceeded no expectations. I think I do wish there was something more to it. But really I think I wish I didn't find out there was a sequel, so that I never would have read it. This was an unnecessary addition to a perfect book. It was good in it's own right, but couldn't love up to the hype I gave the other.

Also I'm too afraid to read the first again, in case itself can't live up to the hype. I was a much different reader back then, and though its message seemed profound at that time, it would likely not have the same effect now.

[Dylan Lafollette · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far the book goes on at the island and Cole must tare down his cabin to keep his memories of burning and building a cabin. They (Cole and Peter) thought they will never see the spirit bear but they are waiting for a big suprise.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost of Spirit Bear is the second in the Spirit Bear series (the first being Touching Spirit Bear). This second installment picks up almost exactly after where the first book ends. But that being said, it could almost be read as a stand-alone because it has its own message and story.

Cole and Peter have resolved things, and could even be called friends now. Unfortunately, their various ailments now makes them targets back at their highschool. A school that has been deteriorating; with gangs, suicide, and other unfortunate events. Cole can't fight to defend himself from the bullies though; it'll send him right to jail. So he has to come up with another way to survive in this school, and still protect Peter as best as he can.

Cole is almost too good to be true in this one. He's still inspiring; and he still has issues; but I feel like they are almost too easily overcome. In contrast, Peter seems to be the struggling one in this book and just a touch unlikable (at least for me, which I feel bad about, given all that he's gone through). I also thought their version of the Spirit Bear in this book was an interesting choice. Still not quite sure how I felt about it.

Overall, I would say this book was written for a younger audience than the first book. While there's still violence, it's a lot less than the first book, and not as descriptive or gruesome. It's just lighter in tone for the overall message and the message isn't so much survival and overcoming anger as it is living your dreams in this one. There is mention of suicide though, so it doesn't shy away from some hard topics.

I didn't like it as well as the first, but it's still a pretty solid young adult book.

Review by M. Reynard 2020

[Leydi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cole Matthews used to be a violent child,but a year in exile on a remote island in Alaska, has a way of changing his perspective. After being attacked by a Spirit bear, Cole began to heal, even invited his victim, Peter Driscal, to join him on the island and became friends. The exile is over and they have to return to their real life, high school, and see everything around them is violence. As problems at his school worsen, Cole realizes that it is not enough to change himself, he has to change his world.

What I like about this book is that it is a story of survival and self-control, where young people realizes how high levels of violence can reach. The part that I like the most is where Cole, realizes that no matter how much he changes, if he continues with the bad company, it is not to change anything.

What I didn't like about this book is that children are very cruel, and they don't care about feelings, or what other children think. But this helps us to understand what we actually live in schools.

I think, children in schools would like this book, because they can see and understand that violence leads to nothing good.

[Maddie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Touching Spirit Bear, then you'll know that this book is the best sequel this book could've had possible. It not only gives us a recap on the emotional change that Cole went through, but also let's us fully understand that he is not completely healed. He just handles it better. He fully thinks through his actions more and in doing that he changes so much for the people around him and it's just a perfect way to really give us closure and really wrap up this story. I would absolutely say you should read it but only if you read the first one.

[Carolanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved book 1, “Touching Spirit Bear” and enjoy booktalking it to students. I only recently became aware of this sequel. It is a quick read but also good. The bonus/ extra section from the author at the back is especially insightful. Mikaelsen has an important message to share with young people about the impact of your actions & reactions.

Students who want to read more about Cole & Peter after the island will enjoy this.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cole Mathews was a troubled child but after spending a year in the Alaskan wilderness he has change and now is friends with the kid he beat up that made him go to Alaska. but now he has to move back to the city and he and peter don't know if they can take all the violence of Minneapolis they need to change there school.

[Jonathan]

I loved the part when Peter and Cole became friends. Also that they stood up for each other when they were in trouble with some bullies. I cant believe that they had good spirits. The part that I didn't get was the part when Cole's dad was there in the assembly when he did not want to see Cole. Also, what happened to the old homeless man? The book said that he disappeared.

[David Veith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable, quick read. My wife found it at a thrift store. This is more a middle school aged book, but still enjoyable. Makes you think about changing a few things yourself.

[Spencer Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to see the sequel! And it was nice being able to continue on Cole’s journey and learning how to deal with anger and emotions when you’re around others, rather than isolated and alone. I liked how he still struggled, but was able to remember the lessons he learned and use those experiences to help the people around him. It’s also interesting reading this book as an adult and how much of it resonated with my past self and with my current self. Im really curious what others think of this book, especially with its integration of indigenous beliefs and teachings.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really beautiful read. One thing Mikaelsen does so perfectly is create the feeling of helplessness in a high school setting. Admittedly I find that there are a lot fewer "bullies" in today's high schools and most teens are primarily faced with their own inner demons, but I was pleasantly surprised with the way that Cole eventually learned how to face them.

When Garvey kept telling Cole that the way he way dealing with Keith was wrong, I felt as helpless as Cole did trying to figure out exactly what Garvey meant. Mikaelsen really makes you as the reader feel like you yourself are the protagonist of the story, and it is not often that a book nowadays can create that level of empathy. As the tension builds, the story presents many shocking aspects, not allowing you to even breathe as you read from one trauma to the next. (e.g. every time Cole went to visit his father, the suicide, the attack on Peter, and even the seemingly random suggestion to change the school mascot--which really made me appreciate the subtle imagery of the vandalised mascot statue that is mentioned in almost every chapter) Again, this way that the novel is written perfectly parallels life, when you usually don't have the chance to recover from one trauma before another one is presented. I also enjoyed the literal connections to the first book as Cole and Peter tried to regain the peace they had found on the island back in the real world. The homeless man was a meaningful connection too; just like the Spirit Bear, only Cole and Peter would ever know for sure (or as sure as they can be) that he exists. He reminded me very much of David Almond's Skellig, and I love the mystery of never knowing for sure who he was or why he came into their lives. As Skellig's Mina would say, “Sometimes we just have to accept there are things we can’t know.…Sometimes we think we should be able to know everything. But we can’t. We have to allow ourselves to see what there is to see, and we have to imagine.”

This is a book that would appear on a school curriculum, and I can see many students hating it. I think it is meant to be that way. Just as Cole thought he would be miserable on the island--and he was, for most of it--the reader really has to feel the story to get it. The reader has to want to get something out of it, or he never will. The book creates much the same experience for the reader as it does for the protagonist.

So for anyone who thought that Cole's idea to make the school a better place was stupid (and I will admit that I didn't understand it at first), the key is to allow yourself to think that it is meaningful. It doesn't matter if it is or not. You have to choose to make it meaningful for yourself.

Finally, I don't think I can end this review without commenting about Ms. Kennedy. At first, I felt like hating her, because I thought Cole wanted to hate her, but I loved her transition through the novel. I wish I had known a single good principal or teacher like her. I found her character surprisingly believable (if that oxymoron makes any sense!), but she seemed like one of the few grown-ups even in the real world who wanted to put the students first and really make a difference. In my five years in high school, we were faced with two suicides (one graduate, then one teacher) in a school of 400 people--adults and students combined. The suicides were less than a year apart. While the principal addressed it in assembly and the teachers and students cried their tears, our school never went through this sort of healing. I think most people just forgot about it and moved on. The school continued enforcing anti-bullying policies and trying to reduce the hate, but no one ever spoke up for us to make a big move towards something positive. In my eyes, they just tried to move away from negativity. The correct choice would have been to move towards something positive. Just because these phrases are opposites do not mean that they simply represent reverse behaviours. When most of my teachers just bragged about making the Sunshine List (earning $100,000+ per year), I realized quickly that we were not their priority. Ms. Kennedy was a refreshing change.

This is the perfect follow-up to Touching Spirit Bear, and it shows the ability to heal without the harsh and cringe-worthy events of the island (Cole's diet at the beginning, being one obvious example).

One final note: the relationship between Cole and Peter oddly reminds me of that of Albus and Scorpius in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Ghost of Spirit Bear is infinitely better than Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but it was a very surprising inter-textual connection. Somehow now I feel like Cursed Child completely ripped off Mikaelsen's beautiful story.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it, but it just wasn't the same as the first one, first of all it wasn't as big of a change for Cole and Peter and is not at the top at my rereading list, but there were some good parts, for example when they fight the bully with their heart that was interesting and a little weird, but the story ends nice, unlike some books. *cough Rick Riordan cough* :(

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a continuation to spirit bear. This book continues with the same characters. Cole starts on the island and heads back to the city the book is about cole learning his way to deal with life and anger in the city. The theme is you have to be good wherever you are.

[Eileen Neeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as action packed as the first book, but it addresses harder questions. On the island, Cole had to deal with his anger in nature without conflict from others. But back in his regular life he has to apply the lessons from the island to reality. The island was hard, but reality is harder.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review/Critique

Mikaelsen, B. (2008). Ghost of Spirit Bear. New York: Harper Collins.

Why the book was chosen
I chose Ghost of Spirit Bear purposefully it is the sequel to Touching Spirit Bear by Ben
Mikaelsen. The cover of the book is wonderful. It features a mighty bear rising above a building,
mouth wide, open fangs visible. I was interested in finding out how Cole Matthews and Peter
Driscal were doing since their last experience, which was a healing journey for themselves.

Summary/Overview of the book
Cole Matthews was a violent fifteen year old; his victim was Peter Driscal. Cole had smashed Peters' head against the sidewalk causing serious damage to Peter. The incident wounded Peter to his core. Peter became suicidal after being brutalized; he had lost his place in
the world. Healing was a challenge for both boys. Peter and Cole survived the island together. It was time for the boys to go home to where reality and reliance on themselves would be put to the
test. Cole, with an rage just below the surface, and Peter, with a limp and a speech problem, make them targets in high school. Could Cole and Peter survive the city filled with gangs, bullies and
violence? Ghost of Spirit Bear is about the struggles the boys face in a urban setting that is turbulent and violent. Somehow they must find a way to survive without doing harm. Cole and Peter are challenged by the real fact that their internal self-change was not going to be enough when back in the city. Peter and Cole have Garvey their counselor, to support them and he offers advice. The boys would need each other. They would need to use their brains and new skills to
change the world they live in; meanwhile, a entity in the form of an elusive old street man (the Ghost of Spirit Bear) is watching them.
Specific quotes from the text

"Cole spoke bitterly. 'We're both in trouble when everybody figures out that fighting will send me
to jail.'...." Peter laughed and chimed in, 'see the boy tho got his head smashed and had to go to
Alaska so he wouldn't commit suicide' (p. 14).
" 'Don't fight!' Peter screamed. Let them beat me up!"(p. 28).
"I told you before, fight em" Garvey said. "Just don't use your fists." (p. 59).
Cole comments "....well yesterday, I opened my eyes and found that old homeless guy staring at me across the parking lot. I looked down for just a few seconds, and when I looked
back he was gone." (p. 72)

My questions, inferences, visual images, thoughts, reactions, feelings, opinions
The Ghost of Spirit Bear is a saga or continuation of Cole and Peters healing process. I
questioned Cole's inability to follow through with his line of questioning when it came to the spirit bears essence he saw in the old bum's eyes. Why did Cole not figure it out, was he so frightened to not see the goodness in the eyes? I felt like the story was a typical continuation, Ghost of Spirit Bear was a good book to read. My own curiosity in how Cole and Peter were going to handle urban life piqued my interest to read it all the way through. I am sure that a teen
would enjoy the adventure and have fun reading about the challenges the book presents. Ghost of Spirit Bear brings out current issues of today. The book brings out bullying in schools, the effects
and causes of suicide, which in turn could help a teen speak out to someone they trust and seek help.

Re-evaluating the story with reference to values, ideals, beliefs, and or institutions of Aboriginal
peoples
The values in Ghost of Spirit Bear are shown in the wisdom of Garvey, the counsellor, and the justice circle, and Cole, for sure, epitomized wisdom. He was able to forgive through love, for Cole that was powerful lesson he learned. The justice circle is a traditional way of dealing with youth who offend; it is an institution of law. The justice circle is a viable option for youth
offenders.

My transformed thoughts: What is not written in the story but now I am thinking about...
I am thinking about irony. The story Ghost of Spirit Bear effectively shows how difficult it
is to use traditional practises in urban settings. Cole and Peter look for alternatives, such as a
freezer to chill out in and use bowling balls instead of Grandfather rocks. It is funny. Ghost of
Spirit Bear brings out the issue of Native contemporary identity and traditional practices.

[Jasper Halford · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ghost of Spirit Bear" is the sequel to "Touching Spirit Bear and because of that, I had high expectations for this book. I could relate to a lot of this book as much of it talks about school and the relationships that are made with your peers and such. The writing that the author uses is very powerful and makes a good impact. I did enjoy this book quite a lot and it was fairly well put together, but it just wasn't quite as special as its prequel. As you are reading this book, you can tell that it was a bit forced and the author was having a hard time recreating the momentum of his first book. But overall, it is a good book and a great story.

[Joshua Walpole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a little let down by the sequel. It feels like that the author rushed on this book. I did enjoy it a little bit, but the characters were repetitive and predictable. The only contrast and contradiction signpost was with Kieth. Also, the book was too short.

[Wyatt Hone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Cole and peter used to have problems with each other now they are pals and when they come off the island they have sime new challenges to face. They have to go to high school and face all the troubles that the high school has. Cole and peter get beat up by the new bullies of the school and have to deal with a lot of trouble that they put them through. In the end they make a lot of changes, they become friends with the bully, change their there school mascot to the spirit bear, and they start a thing for the school that is like the circle of justice that Cole had to do. First word: "The girls moved away, making SNIDE faces" I believe that snide means to give them dirty or unpleasant look. Second word: "I was a DOORMAT" I dont really know what he meant when he said it the way he used it but i think it was him being used or walked on. Third word: Lying on his side GRIMACING Cole could see cars passing on the street" I think that grimacing is being used as a angry look. Theme: "no matter what people say to you, be strong. This quote to me is saying you should always believe in what you think rather than what people tell you. I hope that everyone can remember this quote the next time a bully says something mean to you. Somtimes it is really hard to be strong and not break but sometimes you really have to be strong but usually that is really had to do. My favorite part about this quote is that it can be used in so manydiffrent situations and in so many times throughout the day. Opinion: I really enjoyed this book i think it ha some really great meanings. I also think that it had some awesome life lessons in the book. Cole and peter had it really ruff but they can make it through it and that is kinda inspiring. Overall I think that it was a great read and that many other people should read it too.

[Paco · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I really liked about this book was that it almost always left you hanging at the end of a chapter. It made you want to read the next chapter so badly. It was really hard for me to put the book down sometimes. The sentence fluency for it was great. I never had to go back and reread a sentence or two to find out what it ment. It just ran smoothly right through. He didn't use too many "big" words. They were all pretty simple for me. I enjoy that challenge of finding out what some words mean. I only had to do that once or twice the entire book. The thing I really liked was how Ben Mikaelson was able to put great pictures into my mind. The way he described things was great. For example, the way he was able to describe the school after it had been vandelized, incredible. Something that was really good was that he made me feel really sad for the girl that had commited scuicide and peter after he had gotten beaten up. I also really hated Keith when he was picking on Peter and Cole protected him and through a punch and almost got sent to jail. Cole was just trying to help. He got better though at the end of the book when he turned his friends in and apoligized to Peter. Well, I really liked this book. It was one of the best books I've ever read if not the best. The only thing I didn't like was that the ending was horrible. It didn't tell you what happens in the end. I hope there is another sequal.

[Cornmaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to Touching Spirit Bear, which I have not read, but this book gives a good 'catch-up' synopsis at the beginning. I think the setting of a really crummy, violent urban school in Minneapolis is interesting - I would not have chosen Minneapolis for that kind of school, but it needed to have a big Native American connection, and you wouldn't necessarily get that in NYC or Chicago or LA. The school is full of physically violent and speech abusing bullies, jaded teachers, a new principal who walks on eggs at the beginning. It has a feel good ending, and some of the lessons about learning to choose how to react to situations are OK, but it seemed contrived to me. The kid who comes back from Alaskan banishment does struggle with readjusting to the real world. Apparently in the first book the kid he beat up (inducing permanent brain damage of all things) joins him in the wilderness and they become best friends. That seems contrived, too, with the kids coming from an urban, not native,life. It seemed just a bit too easy for all of the kids to 'come together' at the school and work toward changing the mascot. Maybe the school was not as large as our high schools down here; I just can't see that happening in Texas, much as I would like to, considering how much bullying goes on right under the administration's nose. This might go up to high school level, considering the ages of the characters, but I don't think HS kids would buy into it too much.

[Hashim Baig · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a crazy ending in the Touching Sprit Bear, Cole Matthews is mostly forgiven by Peter Driscal after Cole had assaulted him. The Ghost of Spirit Bear was overall a decent book. It would of a bit better if it was more serious than Touching Sprit Bear. Cole Matthews returns to Minneapolis after one year and he is scared to go back to school after what he had done to Peter over a year ago. After a few days of school starting, Cole and Peter are worried by Keith and his group or known as the bullies. Cole reacts by fighting Keith and that was a huge problem because he could go back to jail if he had fought someone. After being yelled at by a teacher in the school office and given one last chance, Cole meets Garvey. Garvey was telling Cole not to fight with violence and to stand up for yourself. After Keith was making fun of Cole, Keith fell off his skateboard. Cole helped him up and Keith was taken to the hospital. After all this fighting Cole and Keith were good with each other. The school that they went to had fixed many things which made the school better and a resolution. I recommend you to read this after you read Touching Spirit Bear. I think you will like the Series of these two books.