Patrick "Speaking Wind" Quirk, a Native American author, lecturer, and publisher, was raised by his grandfather, a shaman, in the mountains of northern New Mexico. He shares his grandfather's wisdom and teaching in this volume.

To begin to know spirit through the teachings of the ancients. In a time of transition, one begins to look for answers about living that seem to be missing in life. It seems as if the fulfillment of the promise of the American dream is somehow incomplete. One begins to look for something to fill in the missing pieces. Noodin searched for that missing part and almost literally stumbled on the first people of this land. As he began to learn of their continued existence, they led him on an extraordinary path of understanding. These people who he did not even know still existed, continue to have the gifts of a beautiful culture that respects all things. The goal for Noodin then became to find those gifts.

In his Nautilus Award-winning classic Touching Spirit Bear, author Ben Mikaelson delivers a powerful coming-of-age story of a boy who must overcome the effects that violence has had on his life. After severely injuring Peter Driscal in an empty parking lot, mischief-maker Cole Matthews is in major trouble. But instead of jail time, Cole is given another option: attend Circle Justice, an alternative program that sends juvenile offenders to a remote Alaskan Island to focus on changing their ways. Desperate to avoid prison, Cole fakes humility and agrees to go. While there, Cole is mauled by a mysterious white bear and left for dead. Thoughts of his abusive parents, helpless Peter, and his own anger cause him to examine his actions and seek redemption—from the spirit bear that attacked him, from his victims, and, most importantly, from himself. Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots of his anger without absolving him of responsibility for his actions, and questioning a society in which angry people make victims of their peers and communities. Touching Spirit Bear is a poignant testimonial to the power of a pain that can destroy, or lead to healing. A strong choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups.