Peer-pressured bullies reign in Spirit Bear sequel

How do I fight with my heart?
Cole Matthews, the 15 year-old who survived a year alone on an island and being mauled by a Spirit Bear, risks his freedom if he fights back with fists but bullying is ruining the school. It has become the norm.
While alone he learned about himself and his emotions but now he has to find a way to win without fighting.
He does not know where to begin to change the pattern but knows he must. When Peter is victimized again and again, Cole stands up for his friend risking his own freedom and he’s back in the justice circle speaking about his choices and why the circle shouldn’t just send him to jail.
All aspects of bullying exist -- ridicule, shaming, put-downs, name-calling, pushing, shoving, beatings, and dark bathroom attacks -- but no one stops it.
Teachers are afraid to take a stand against students; they fear the school board’s and parents’ wrath could result in job loss. Students learn that the best way to not be bullied is to become a bully.
Cole and Peter face a real challenge of anger control in a busy chaotic scene and together they look for ways to retain the peace they had on the island.
When pacifism, turning the other cheek, and using words do not work the boys use the techniques they learned on the island to guide them to find a unique solution to ending the violence and find leadership is the result.
This sequel to Touching Spirit Bear is again filled with strong teachings to guide conflict. A most enjoyable read that holds adults to task to meet their responsibilities to school students.
Ghost of Spirit Bear -- Ben Mikaelsen (HarperCollins Publisher, New York, NY; 2008; ISBN 978-0-06-009009-8; 154 pages, $6.99)