"Whatever you do to the animals, you do to yourself. Remember that."

(with permission from the author)

This is a compelling adolescent novel, written by award winning author Ben Mikaelsen. The story centers around Cole Matthews, a troubled fifteen year old, and the situation he finds himself in when he smashes another student's skull into a sidewalk. This is not an isolated incident, as Cole has been fighting and stealing for years. The severity of this crime means possible prison time for Cole, or agreeing to become part of Native American Circle Justice. By choosing circle justice, Cole chooses to spend one year in isolation on a remote Alaskan Island. Once there, Cole must face all of his demons, including an attack by the mysterious spirit bear. The attack is the beginning of a fight for his life. Is he strong enough to survive and change the course of his life?