Skellig

Skellig
by David Almond
Fantasy
Random House, 1998

Summary: Michael has just moved with his family into a “fixer-upper” across town. His baby sister, who was born prematurely, has to make many trips in and out of the hospital for life threatening illnesses, often leaving Michael at home with just Dad. As Dad begins renovations on the house, Michael is left to explore the yard and the nearly dilapidated old garage. As his curiosity gets the best of him, Michael discovers a “sickly being” of sorts in the garage which seems to have features of a human, an angel, and a bird. Michael and his new friend next door, Mina secretly nurse the being back to health. As his baby sister’s health is in danger throughout the story, Michael’s friendships with Mina and this mystical creature, teach him many valuable lessons about life, death, trust, and love. In the end, the creature he now called Skellig is connected to Michael’s feeble baby sister. To find out how, read Skellig by David Almond.

Themes: Life and death, friendship, family, home school, birds of prey and their life cycles, mystical beings, and emotional issues including worrying and dependence on others in times of need.

Rationale for use: Real life situations, mysterious places to explore, mysterious beings, and believable characters

Content Area Connections: Relationships with family and friends, life cycles of birds especially owls, compare/contrast skill with home school versus public school, the human body and its systems, and a study of ancient birds such as the archaeopteryx.

Possible Problems or Concerns:

• The life and death battle with the baby sister and the mystical creature might be upsetting.
• Although this book is on approximately the 4-5 grade level, many abstract connections might not be made without teacher prompting.

~Marsha Johnson