Ben Mikaelsen Bücher

In 1922, at the age of two, Petey's distraught parents commit him to the state's insane asylum, unaware that their son is actually suffering from severe cerebral palsy. Bound by his wheelchair and struggling to communicate with the people around him, Petey finds a way to remain kind and generous despite the horrific conditions in his new "home." Through the decades, he befriends several caretakers but is heartbroken when each eventually leaves him. Determined not to be hurt again, he vows to no longer let hope of lifelong friends and family torment him. That changes after he is moved into a nursing home and meets a young teen named Trevor Ladd; he sees something in the boy and decides to risk friendship one last time. Trevor, new to town and a bit of a loner, is at first weary of the old man in the wheelchair. But after hearing more of his story, Trevor learns that there is much more to Petey than meets the eye. Petey is a touching story of friendship, discovery, and the uplifting power of the human spirit.

Set against the backdrop of the Guatemalan forests, the story follows Gabriela, known as Tree Girl, who finds solace and freedom in climbing trees. Her connection to nature allows her to observe eagles and witness breathtaking sunrises, highlighting her deep bond with the environment. The narrative explores themes of belonging and the beauty of the natural world through Gabi's unique perspective and experiences.

The story follows Santiago and his young sister Angelina as they flee their war-torn village in Guatemala after guerrilla soldiers destroy their home and family. Their perilous journey involves navigating shark-infested waters and evading soldiers while sailing in a kayak built by their uncle. Facing extreme weather and the challenges of a treacherous ocean voyage, the siblings embark on a desperate quest for safety and a new life in the United States, highlighting themes of resilience and hope amidst adversity.

In the wilderness, Cole discovers a profound sense of peace and solitude, allowing him to reflect on his life and confront his inner struggles. The isolation offers him a chance to reconnect with nature and himself, leading to transformative experiences that challenge his previous notions of happiness and fulfillment. As he navigates the challenges of survival, he learns valuable lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and the beauty of the natural world.

Within Cole Matthews lie anger, rage and hate. Cole has been stealing and fighting for years. This time he caught Alex Driscal in the, parking lot and smashed his head against the sidewalk. Now, Alex may have permanent brain damage'and Cole is in the Biggest trouble of his life. Cole is offered Circle Justice: a system based on Native American traditions that attempts to provide healing for the criminal offender, the victim and the, community. With prison as his only alternative, Cole plays along. He says he wants to repent, but in his heart Cole blames his alcoholic mom his, abusive dad, wimpy Alex -- everyone but himself -- for his situation. Cole receives a one-year banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There, he is mauled by Mysterious white bear of Native American legend. Hideously injured, Cole waits for his death His thoughts shift from from Anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Rescuers arrive to save Cole's but it is the attack of the Spirit Bear that may save his soul. Ben Mikaelsen paints a vivid picture of a juvenile offender, examining the roots without absolving solving 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

Set against the backdrop of a thrilling space adventure, the story follows a group of astronauts who encounter unexpected dangers while exploring the cosmos. As they navigate treacherous environments and face alien threats, the characters must rely on their skills and teamwork to survive. Themes of courage, friendship, and the unknown are woven throughout, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions of space and the challenges faced by the crew enhance the overall excitement of the journey.

Awarded the California Young Readers' Medal, this book captivates young audiences with its engaging narrative and relatable characters. It explores themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery, making it both entertaining and educational. The story encourages readers to embrace their individuality and navigate the challenges of growing up, all while providing a delightful reading experience that resonates with children.

The story follows thirteen-year-old Ricky Diaz as he grapples with the shocking revelation of his mother's murder by drug dealers. Driven by a thirst for vengeance, he faces a moral dilemma when the DEA offers him a dangerous mission involving the theft of an airplane equipped with a radar detector used by the cartel. Complicating matters, Ricky's father, a former drug enforcement agent, opposes the mission, creating tension between their desires for justice and safety.