Touching Spirit BearStudy Guide 

Review Correct Answers 

Who do the boys see after they hug and make up? 

Spirit Bear 

In Chapter 3, Cole explains to Garvey why he has so much anger inside. What was his primary explanation?

His father beat him growing up

 

What does Cole do right after Edwin and Garvey leave him on the island the first time? 

Burns down his shelter 

What is Cole’s plan to help Peter?

Bring him to the island and help him heal

After the storm on the island what does Cole decide? 

He decides to live

What plant does Cole grab during the bear attack that hurts his hands? 

Devil’s Club

What does Edwin want Cole to do to the stick in the pond? 

Break off the half that represents his anger 

How does Peter know that Cole robbed the store?

Cole brags about robbing the store to people at

school. 

What does Cole do every morning to overcome his anger on the island?

He soaks in the freezing cold pond and breaths. 

What does Garvey try to teach Cole with the hotdog metaphor?

Life is what you make of it. 

Who gave Cole the at.oow blanket? 

Garvey 

What does Garvey give Cole before leaving him on the island the second time?

A knife in a sheath 

What knocked the birds out of the tree? 

A lightning storm

During the bear attack what does Cole say to the bear?

“Please, stop!” 

Why does Cole attack the bear? 

Because the bear is not scared of him 

Cole asks the birds “Are you okay?” Why is this significant?

It’s the first time he shows sympathy 

Why is Cole attacked by the bear?

Because Cole attacks the bear first 

When Cole is found after the bear attack where do Edwin and Garvey take him?

To Rosey’s clinic 

How does Cole describe his mom at the beginning of the book?

He calls her a scared Barbie doll.

Where is Cole from originally?

Minneapolis, Minesota 

What did Cole start to make out of the large log?

A Canoe 

What happens to Cole’s father while Cole is recovering? 

He is arrested for child abuse. 

What is the first dance that Cole does with Edwin and Garvey? 

The whale dance

What does Cole use as a table cloth for special meals on the island?

The at.oow 

What do the boys carve in the empty space in the totem pole?

A perfect circle 

What is the main focus of Circle Justice?

Healing for everyone

In the circle, what does each person have to hold in order to speak? 

A feather 

When Peter hits Cole how does Cole respond?

He lets Peter hit him and does not fight back. 

What is the first dance that Cole dances alone? 

The wolf dance 

What does the rock symbolize when Cole is carrying it up the hill? 

His ancestors 

What was Cole’s first meal on the island?

Half eaten fish that he stole from the seagulls 

Who does Cole blame for his behavior?

Everyone else 

What did Garvey bring Cole at the detention center?

A cake 

What kept Cole from leaving the island when he tried to escape?

The tide pushed him back to shore 

Why is Cole upset at the baby birds when he first sees them?

They have a family and someone who cares for

them.

Who does Cole argue with at the circle justice meeting?

His father

In the first circle justice meeting what does Peter say he thinks should happen to Cole? 

He thinks Cole should have his face slammed

into concrete. 

Cole thinking about the time when he beat up Peter is considered a ______________.

Flashback 

Learning to face the consequences of your actions is a major _____ in the story.

Theme 

A cold September morning off the coast of Alaska is part of the story’s ______________.

Setting

What does Cole use to fight the Spirit Bear?

A piece of knife that he makes into a spear

What does Cole eat to survive while lying on the ground? 

A mouse, grass, and worms 

What does Cole throw away that would prove he was attacked by the bear?

White fur 

What does Peter Driscal look like?

Skinny boy with red hair 

What is the name of the nurse who takes care of Cole after the bear attack?

Rosey