We’re not too far into our novel, but there has been some talk about anger, violence, protecting a community and healing. The character facing the possibility of jail, Cole, is definitely in favour of avoiding jail. Some characters argue that he must be sent to jail; his violent attack has done serious, permanent damage to another person after all. Others think that banishment should be considered as (at least a temporary) alternative.

Is banishment the right decision for a teen who has been seriously violent, or is banishment for this particular teen a bad idea? For those of you reading Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, please let us know what you think and why.