by David Almond
First published 2001
Ten-year-old Michael moves into a new house with his parents, but joy turns to worry when his baby sister falls critically ill. While exploring the decrepit garage behind their home, Michael finds a strange being huddled in the darkness among the spiders and dead flies. The creature appears part man, part bird, with mysterious bumps on his shoulders and an appetite for Chinese takeout and brown ale. Michael shares his secret with Mina, a homeschooled girl from next door who believes in the magic hidden within ordinary life. Together they care for the being they call Skellig, bringing him food and eventually moving him to Mina's grandfather's abandoned house. As Michael's sister fights for her life in the hospital, he begins to understand that Skellig possesses an ancient power that might help heal his family. The story weaves between the harsh reality of medical crisis and the wonder of discovering that angels might exist in the most unexpected places.
Genres: fantasy, contemporary, magical-realism, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, magical-realism
Paperback · Hodder Children's Books
Content warnings: medical-trauma