Skellig

Reviews

I wasn't sure about this one as it's not really the type of book I'd pick, but it wasn't bad! The story follows Michael as he navigates a house move and a new sibling (a poorly one at that). One of the teaher figures is Skellig who Michael finds in his new home's garage. He teaches Michael about bravery as finding someone in your home is a worrisome situation to find yourself in as a young teen. He also teaches Michael about selflessness and kindness as Michael helps Skellig despite Skelligs initial resistance and with no real reward incentive for Michael to do so. This would encourage the reader to help people just because it's the right thing to do, like Michael. The other teacher figure is a teacher at Michael's school, Mrs Dando. She shows alot of kindness to Michael and his home situation and really makes the effort to check in with him when he seems down (though it seems she also does this with other children which is always good to see). This character provides a safe space for Michael during a time when he feels like he can't talk to anyone and shows that teachers have a whole other side to them than the one seen in the classroom. I think this story was included on this list because the entire book teaches the reader so much about traumatic situations and healthy ways to cope e.g. by making new friends in unlikely people (Mina), taking rest when needed (staying off school), moving your body (garden work), and helping others (Skellig). It also gives another perspective on the education system through Mina, who teaches Michael that going to school is not the pinnacle of learning and there is so much more you can learn outside of a traditional school if you put your mind to it. This may seem unhelpful for those who this isn't an option (e.g. those with working parents) but it can open a discussion about which setting is right for that child, even if that isn't homeschooling. This would help the child get the best out of their school years and therefore their best outcome.

mrsthielker123

A fantastic class read in Year 5. It is a hauntingly beautiful, short masterpiece. Written in sparse, poetic language, it is a perfect, quick read for both children (ages 9+) and adults who appreciate lyrical storytelling and emotional depth.

missmcgin

We read this as part of our DEAR session at the end of the school day. The students enjoyed the mystery of Skellig and the relationship between Michael and Mina. The themes including friendships, illness and life and death generated a range of discussions. We may read ' My Name is Mina' next!

minicooper

It had been several years since I read this book as part of my own education and I remember not understanding it and therefore disliking it... Fast-forward to being an adult reading it and I wish I could go back and prompt my younger self with more questions. An interesting choice, but one that raises lots of dilemmas and questions that need to be explored together. A perfect book club or class read choice!

Mrs Nicoll

The bond between siblings is beautifully described in this book. I loved the connection between Skellig and the baby. Michael’s journey of acceptance and bravery was amazing to read!

sads3

Skellig is a truly special story—vivid, imaginative, and filled with mystery, yet told with such beautiful simplicity. I was especially moved by Michael, the protagonist, and his deep care for his newborn sister. That same tenderness is extended to Skellig, the strange, potentially angelic figure he discovers, weak and hidden away in the garage of their new home. What struck me most was the way Michael’s family, though under immense stress, continues to push forward together. And how, through this journey, casual acquaintances grow into meaningful friendships. The connection between Michael, Mina, and Skellig becomes something quietly magical—intimate, otherworldly, and deeply human. Skellig himself begins as a gruff and mysterious figure, tired and distant. But as the story unfolds, we learn how profound he really is, and how significant it is for him to share his existence with these children. There's a quiet wisdom in him that reveals itself slowly, and it makes the story all the more powerful. I also loved the small details—those vivid, fleeting moments that make a book stick with you. Reading it again as an adult, I found myself recognizing little things I’d forgotten from my childhood reading, like the Chinese takeaway numbers. It brought a sense of nostalgia that made the experience even richer. Skellig is a quiet, hauntingly beautiful book that leaves you hoping for the very best for Michael and his family. It’s the kind of story that lingers—and a perfect read for children and adults alike. I imagine younger readers will come away with the same sense of wonder and hope that stayed with me.

hannahokazaki

I really enjoyed Skellig because it’s mysterious,, and beautifully written. The main character is Michael, a boy who discovers a strange creature in his garage while dealing with his baby sister being very ill and moving to a new house all at the same time. The book made me think about life, nature and how people (or creatures!) can change each other in unexpected ways. It’s both sad and hopeful at times, I’d recommend Skellig to readers aged 10 and up who like books with a touch of mystery and magic. Content warning: There are themes of illness and death, which might be upsetting for readers with illness in their family.

missyandell

I devoured this book. It is simply one of the best children’s books I have ever read. Tender, shocking, tense, funny and has the bones of truth running through this supernatural story. Full of subtle mediations on grief, death, love and belonging. Wonderful.

KateMag

Well written book.

Margeed71

I first started reading this book a few years ago and put it down too quickly. I am very glad that I returned to give it another go as it is an awesome story. I really loved Michael and Mina: they were unlikely friends but had a very special bond. It was heartening to hear of Michael's struggles with his mental health despite being a popular boy who enjoyed football. Mina is a wonderful, creative, independent girl who supports him through his worries. A magical and beautiful story.

CB54

I re-read this book recently (after having read the excellent 'The Final Year'). I was reminded why I loved this story - the characters are likeable and believable and the storyline is quite simple but so fantastic. A true classic!

RuthSettle7

I really enjoyed Skellig. Right from the start you are hooked - who is this creature and where has he come from. Another great book for Year 6, again with mature themes.

lindsay1702

Easy read, not extremely engaging nor entertaining

cicelymaytaylor

Highly recommend. Quick read. Some lovely descriptions of Skellig throughout.

mrsbradleyspag

This is my second reading of Skellig. I re-read it initially because my daughter was reading it at school and I wanted to support her in her work- long story, not for now. The first time I read it, I hated it. This time, I think I could appreciate it more and became more involved with the characters. I had also just read ‘My Name is Mina’ when I started the re-read, so that also gave me another perspective. I still struggle with the magical, repulsive figure of Skellig himself… I had completely forgotten about the flying dance and the incident in the hospital with Michael’s mother and the baby… At least I wanted to finish it this time, rather than dragging myself through it as I did first time around. 🦉 PS I preferred My Name is Mina… PPS I also just read, Paper Bird, Paper Boat - what was going on there? It was as though it was written for a completely different, younger audience 🤔🤔🤔

MairiG

This was a beautiful heartwarming novel. Full of emotion. I couldn't wait to turn the page. Some funny parts, thoughtful parts and at times gripping. It has also inspired me to do some art around the Skellig character. I would recommend this book to anyone to read and feel that it will stay with me for a very long time.

JW123

This was a beautiful heartwarming novel. Full of emotion. I couldn't wait to turn the page. Some funny parts, thoughtful parts and at times gripping. It has also inspired me to do some art around the Skellig character. I would recommend this book to anyone to read and feel that it will stay with me for a very long time.

JW123

Used as a whole class reading book. An interesting story but not great sentence structures to model to children.

MissSellers

I have heard Skellig mentioned in the past a number of times and on these occasions the feedback has always been positive. Initially I lacked confidence whether this would be a book I would enjoy but I was happily proven wrong. I really enjoyed the style of writing David Almond used in the story; the descriptive writing really helped the reader to engage in the story, the detail used for the description of Skellig was intriguing. The structure of the writing gave the story a fast pace to it with the short and quick sentences which in turn-built suspense throughout the story. I enjoyed the perspective of the story being told by Michael as you got a real sense of his emotions throughout the story especially dealing with his baby sister being poorly, family and friend relationships and his discovery of Skellig. The ending I felt worked well as it left the reader with more questions and curiosity, it was interesting to find out there are still questions the author has about the story. Providing a great opening in the classroom to have discussions about the questions they have such as, where did Skellig come from? who is Skellig? what happened to Michael’s baby sister? Did Mina & Michael stay friends?

AESINGFIELD

I have heard Skellig mentioned in the past a number of times and on these occasions the feedback has always been positive. Initially I lacked confidence whether this would be a book I would enjoy but I was happily proven wrong. I really enjoyed the style of writing David Almond used in the story; the descriptive writing really helped the reader to engage in the story, the detail used for the description of Skellig was intriguing. The structure of the writing gave the story a fast pace to it with the short and quick sentences which in turn built suspense throughout the story. I enjoyed the perspective of the story being told by Michael as you got a real sense of his emotions throughout the story especially dealing with his baby sister being poorly, family and friend relationships and his discovery of Skellig. The ending I felt worked well as it left the reader with more questions and curiosity, it was interesting to find out there are still questions the author has about the story. Providing a great opening in the classroom to have discussions about the questions they have such as, where did Skellig come from? who is Skellig? what happened to Michael’s baby sister? Did Mina & Michael stay friends?

aesingfield