Some books are like talismans, compact in their power, possessed of an aura mysterious and meaningful, even if—especially if—the precise nature of its mystery and meaning eludes us. Such a work is David Almond’s Skellig, which won the Carnegie Medal as best children’s book by a British author when it was published in 1998. While it’s perfectly tuned for readers of ages eight to ten, the book’s haunting music is captivating for audiences well beyond that range in years.
A lovely short novel, variously considered children's and young adult, about a boy who meets a magical creature in a time of crisis in his family.
10-year old Michael's family has just moved across town to a derelict house his father is renovating. He can still attend his old school, but it's harder to get together with old friends. Michael's baby sister is very ill and, he suspects, she may die. One day he disobeys his parents' instructions and goes looking around the falling-down garage at the new house and discovers a strange humanoid, himself almost dead. Michael and a creatively-minded home-schooled girl in his new neighborhood begin visiting and bringing food and medicine to the creature, Skellig, who turns out to be not at all who, or what, they thought. As Michael's sister gets sicker and sicker, Skellig begins to change, and Michael learns to really listen to the sounds around him.
I just finished listening to the author reading the book. Exquisite story! I wish I had known about this book when my kids were young. It would have been an excellent read aloud. Loved.
I got to hear David Almond speak about this book when I was in school and it's stuck with me ever since. Such a wonderful book that really makes you think.
This is a wonderful little book. Almond's language is aimed squarely at middle grade, yet is lyrical and poignant. There are so many little flourishes throughout that echo through the whole tale. From the first page to the last, I enjoyed this gem of a book!
I can totally see why it made the 1000 books to read before you die list.
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