Touching Spirit Bear

Why do the baby sparrows affect Cole, and how does he come to view the world and himself as a result?

Why did the author choose to include graphic descriptions of Cole’s experiences as he approaches death? How does detailed imagery enhance the reader’s understanding of what Cole is going through?

What is the significance of choice in the story, and how do Edwin and Garvey use metaphors to illustrate the importance of choice to Cole?

What does the totem pole symbolize for Cole, and how does the totem pole help Cole and Peter heal their relationship and forgive each other?

Why does Cole see the Spirit Bear? Why does it later attack him? How does the Spirit Bear push Cole to learn, reflect, and heal?

Why did the author set Cole’s character arc on an Alaskan island? How does Tlingit culture influence the novel, and how does nature influence the trajectory of the lessons Cole learns?

What does Cole learn about anger, control, and forgiveness, and how does he teach what he learns to Peter?

Why does Cole soak in the pond and roll the ancestor rock? What do these acts symbolize, and what does he gain from them?