Skellig
This is a story which leaves readers wanting for more. Skellig, the main character, leaves us wondering and questioning if what we have always wished for is real�to encounter an angel. As the book description says, �Man, bird, or angel? Who or what is Skellig?� This question is in fact never answered. Michael and Mina cease to wonder the answer to this question and decide to simply nurse him back to health. School Library Journal summarizes this story by saying that, �The beauty here is that there is no answer and readers will be left to wonder and debate, and make up their own minds.  A lovingly done, thought-provoking novel.�
Michael had just moved into the neighborhood. In an old and crumbling garage in the back of his house, he discovers a mysterious creature by the name of Skellig. It is apparent that he is weak and ill and has been living off dead insects he finds in the garage. Michael, a teenager, does not doubt for a second that he will give him a hand and bring him decent food each night. As he gets to know his neighbor Mina, a homeschooled teenager, he eventually lets her in on the secret and the two of them do whatever is in their power to help this being back to life. It is until later that they discover he has wings similar to that of an angel or large bird, but this does not change their opinion of him in the least. The relationship between the three is quite engrossing and touching. It is a symbol of pure and unconditional friendship which readers will not easily forget.
          David Almond creates characters that one can easily become attached to. When we see the last of Skellig, we continue to wish for more. We want all our questions answered: where did he come from? where did he leave to? what exactly is he? etc. For Michael, Skellig comes as an oasis of peace. His parents are busy worrying about Michael�s ill baby sister, the house if a mess of remodeling and moving in, and Michael is losing his friends from the old neighborhood. Mina�s sarcasm and smugness only add humor to a somewhat serious story. Mina is unmistakably in awe of Skellig. When she really gets a good look at him, all she can utter is, �You�re beautiful!� When they see that beneath his jacket is a pair of huge beautiful wings, again she can only whisper, �You�re beautiful...� The two characters are so enthralled by this magical experience, that they must prove to themselves it is real. After they see him in all his glory, Michael peeks through the window to the outside world. When Mina asks him what he is doing, he says, �Making sure the world�s still there.� Because this story takes place here on earth, it would be considered �low fantasy�. Although there are no personified animals, an irrational event does occur without explanation here on earth. Skellig seems to either heal or be healed by Michael�s baby sister, and the two teenagers seem to fly for a few seconds with the help of Skellig. Truly a magical and touching story.

Almond, David. 1998. Skellig. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN: 0-385-32653-X.
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