Award winning author overcame many obstacles before finding success

From a troubled childhood in Bosnia on a flight to boarding school, he discovered his passion for flying that has become a highlight in his life. The pilot let him fly the plane and told him he was the best pilot he met so far. For a child who hadn’t heard much encouragement that was all he needed to start looking toward his own future and what could he become.

At school, he sought mischief out one day and found literacy in the library. His very first book, he couldn’t read and wasn’t interested in reading. The librarian hinted at the mystery of the book and so, despite being unable to read, he read a book about adversity. He ended up reading the book ten times and was almost given a library fine for keeping it so long. The librarian opened up a whole new world for Mikaelsen that captivated him and brought forth his calling.

He was a medic volunteer who performed free surgery for children born with cleft palates and eventually helped establish a school for boys. He became a photographer and journeyed far and wide finding inspiration everywhere.

He settled in Montana and worked with Fish and Game in habiting wild animals at a time where there was no wildlife habitation. He ended up raising brown bearcubs like infants to enormous loving creatures who were affectionate and needed affection.

This part of his life ignited a story that seemed to be coming to life inside him.

“I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t do anything except write this story that was alive inside me,” Mikaelsen said. “It wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote it.”

And so, Touching Spirit Bear was written inspired by his pet Buffy the Bear. He later wrote a sequel to the book, Ghost of Spirit Bear. The books are about the white bear legend of an Alaskan tribe that helps a young Native American on his way to becoming a juvenile offender to overcome his hate and anger toward his alcoholic and abusive parents.

His book, rescuing Josh McGuire is also about a bearcub and a boy who saves it from being killed by wildlife officials. The book contributed to lessening bear hunting season to spare bears and their cubs from being orphaned.

Mikaelsen encouraged the students to read, to dream and to do whatever it takes to succeed. He told teachers they hold the power to lead their students to achieving great things. He signed the books, “You are in the circle. Never, ever give up. Dream BIG.”

Students enjoyed his guest appearances in their classrooms for more stories and more encouragement that they could all do something incredible someday.

Mikaelsen’s books will be debuting on film for Disney and he couldn’t be more humble.

“Disney flew me to Florida and hosted a huge party for me at Treasure Island. There were so many people there, I couldn’t believe it,” Mikaelsen said. “The next day at my book signing, no one showed up but one little boy who wasn’t even interested in reading.”

It didn’t take long for the boy to come around and buy a book. And so have millions of readers.

For more information, visit http://www.benmikaelsen.com.