Ben Mikaelsen is the son of Danish settlers and grew up in Bolivia. He wasn't sent to school until the fourth grade where he was heavily bullied, and later moved to the United States in the 7th grade. Mikaelsen started writing full time in 1984, and has won many awards, including the International Reading Association Award and the Western Writer's Golden Spur award. He has also gained many state Readers Choice Awards.He is a sky diving champion and has written many books such as Tree Girl, Touching Spirit Bear, Ghost of Spirit Bear and Petey. He owns a pet bear named Buffy, who is a 750 pound Black bear. Mikaelsen saved him from execution, and personally does not believe that it is right to take an animal out of its natural environment. The bear had his claws removed and is very friendly. Today, Mikaelsen lives outside of Bozeman, Montana with a wife and kids.

Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Alex Driscal in the, parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Alex may have permanent brain damage'and Cole is in the Biggest trouble of his life.

Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the, community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom his, abusive dad, wimpy Alex -- everyone but himself -- for his situation.

Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by Mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death His thoughts shift from from Anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul.

Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots without absolving solving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing