Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Why does Cole fail during his first stint on the island? What makes his second chance better?
- Why do you think Garvey is so insistent on helping Cole?
- How would you describe the arc of Cole and Peter's relationship from the beginning of the book to the end?
- How does Cole's upbringing affect the way that he sees the world? Does his outlook change over the course of the book?
- What do you think will happen to Cole when he goes back to Minneapolis?
- Do you think Spirit Bear is a real animal or a figment of Cole's imagination? Why?
- How is Circle Justice different from the traditional criminal justice system? How is it similar?
- How does the remote island setting add to Cole's experience? Why couldn't he go through the same journey in Minneapolis?
- Do you think Spirit Bear is a force of good or evil? Why?