Young Adult Literature; Quest
Young Adult Literature
Touching Spirit Bear is definitely a book that's aimed toward adolescent audiences because it features a protagonist who's just a teenager himself—even if he does find himself in some very grown-up trouble. But even though Cole tries to be a tough guy, he still goes through a lot of the problems that other kids his age experience, like trying to find his place in the world and struggling to make sense of his parents. He's not a man yet…he's just a boy trying to figure out the rest of his life. No pressure.
Quest
Over the course of Touching Spirit Bear, Cole is on a quest to find himself and become a better person. It's a tough road, but through hard work, he's able to overcome obstacles and learn how to live alone on an Alaskan island, as well as how to atone for his mistakes. He also takes on the task of becoming one with nature so that he can see Spirit Bear again, and it is only when he is able to clear his mind and make up with Peter Driscal that Cole achieves what he came back to the island for: acceptance from Spirit Bear and forgiveness from Peter. Mission accomplished.