by David Almond
First published 2009
Michael's family has just moved into a new house when his baby sister falls critically ill. The upheaval leaves him feeling isolated and afraid. One Sunday, he ventures into the crumbling garage behind their home and makes an extraordinary discovery. Hidden in the shadows lies a strange being, neither fully human nor animal, with features that suggest both owl and angel. The creature, weak and barely alive, depends on Michael for survival. Michael befriends Mina, a girl from the neighborhood, and together they secretly care for this enigmatic being they call Skellig. As they nurse him back to health with food and attention, Michael's sister remains hospitalized, her condition uncertain. Skellig proves to be far more powerful than his fragile appearance suggests. Through their connection, he begins to influence the fate of Michael's sister, breathing strength into her small body from afar. The experience transforms Michael's understanding of the world around him, revealing connections between life and death, hope and despair that he never imagined possible.
Genres: fantasy, contemporary, magical-realism, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, friendship
Setting: Garage, Neighborhood
Period: Sunday
170 pages · Paperback · Hodder Children's Books