Skellig by David Almond
My mom read this book because it was recommended in an author's newsletter. The book won a Printz Award from YALSA, and my mom remembered that I used to be involved with YALSA when I was a librarian, so she thought I'd enjoy this book. I went in without knowing anything about it and I honestly think that was for the best because every page took me by surprise.
Michael's newborn sister has health issues and his parents are worried and distracted. They just moved to a ramshackle house with a falling-down garage which draws Michael in. There, he finds a man seemingly stuck in place, eating bugs. The man hardly talks but Michael is determined to help him. When Michael meets his new neighbor, Mina, he starts to trust her enough to let her in on the secret living in his garage.
The man introduces himself as Skellig... but he's not quite a man. He has wings, which make Michael question what he's learning in school about evolution. The kindness and curiosity Michael and Mina have was really touching and provided brightness in a story that's pretty dark overall.
The story itself is compelling, but the writing really drew me in. At times it seemed dry and timeless in a way, like reading a classic written 75 years ago. But then it would be so poignant and emotional, enough to bring tears to my eyes. I was almost bawling at the end of the book, not because the resolution was overly sentimental, but because it was just right. Even thinking of it now hits me because it was absolutely perfect.
There's a prequel about Mina that I'll read next, along with more of Almond's work because I think his writing style and ideas are so unique.
