Books That are Sliding Off the Shelf:

"Scarlet Ibis" and "Touching Spirit Bear"

By: Viki P.

Have you heard of these spectacular books? If not, explore a library near you to find them!

First we have Scarlet Ibis, by Gill Lewis, which spotlights a wonderful action filled book containing two main characters. Red, an autistic boy with a big love of birds and a foster kid, draws us in by having limited negative feelings about people. Alongside him, Scarlet is a foster kid who loves her little brother very much. Scarlet tells her little brother his favorite story every night which is full of imagination. They arrive to different foster families' homes. Why, you may ask? Well, something tragic happens. Scarlet goes to a family of the same decent, African American. Then, while with her foster family, she encounters a camaraderie which most people fear. Red goes to a school for kids with autism which forces him to want to go back to his sister. How will they get back together? Read on to find out!

My overall review after reading this beautiful piece is that the book is so perfectly constructed, as the author really adds interesting, enticing words and creates imagery with his quarrel.

The second book is Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen. The main character is Cole Matthews. He has been fighting quite often and ends up in juvenile detention. Cole lands in juvie for torturing a fellow student. Then, Cole has to survive by himself on a beach island. While on the island, he burns his hut down. Cole’s trying to stay alive from a spirit bear attack. Because of Cole, Peter Driscal (the person Cole badly tortured) now has impairments to his speech, walking disabilities, and has permanent brain damage. While in juvenile detention, he wants to escape one thing that comes up the “circle of justice”. That’s his time to escape. In the circle of justice, Peter, his family, and Cole’s parents are there. Cole has the feather and exploited one thing that shook people the most. Cole’s father abuses him, all the while his mom doesn't do anything about it. Then Cole moves to an Arctic island and is forced to live on his own. Cole now has more responsibilities than ever before. He has to cook, make shelter, and many other things. After spending time on the island in the peace and quiet, he becomes a more peaceful person. Then he has one crazy idea...to bring Peter to the island to stay with him! How does that turn out? Read the book to get your answer!

My opinion about this book...it's simply amazing; I would read it over and over! In addition, if you grow fond of this text, indulge yourself and read the series!