Skellig is about a young boy called Michael whose parents decide to move into a old run down house despite his protests. Michael isn’t very keen as it would mean leaving his old house, life and friends. The house has a rundown garage which Michael is told he is not to go inside. Like most people the forbidden becomes more so attractive and Michael inevitably journeys into finding out what lies inside the garage. – and with his parents distracted with preparing for the arrival of a new baby Michael is more or less left to his own to explore.
To his surprise Michael finds a man like being in the garage and who speaks in what appears to be riddles. Michael is drawn to the man and along with a new friend Mina (a carefree young girl who is homeschooled) brings him food and begins to care for him.
Skellig follows the adventure of discovery, growing up, friendship and new beginnings.
It is a taught provoking and heartfelt read.
There are many activities that can be carried out with a class when reading this book such as drama for acting out different scene, hot seating, and writing diary entries as well reading short passages and asking the pupils to write what might happen next?
This book is more suitable for ages 9-13yrs.