Changes

Note: Wow. I wrote this review more than a decade ago. Since then, Skellig has been chosen as a ''Times Educational Supplement'' Teachers' Top 100 Book. It's been adapted into a play directed by Trevor Nunn, an opera, and a film starring Tim Roth. It's sold more than 1 million copies. David Almond wrote a prequel, [[My Name Is Mina by David Almond|My Name Is Mina]], which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. And now it's been reissued in a beautiful 15th anniversary edition. Reading back this review, I ''know'' it doesn't do ''Skellig'' justice. If you haven't already, you should read it. Whoever you may be.

Michael's life is turning upside down. His mother has just had a baby - a new sister for him. But she was an early baby, far too early, and she's very, very ill. She's is in and out of hospital and there is a great fear she might die. His mother and father are distraught and they're living in a tense atmosphere of fear and worry. They're a close family but it's hard to keep it all together under such circumstances and sometimes Michael feels lonely and left out. Then he feels guilty for being so heartless. Making matters worse is that they've just moved house, right across town. Michael elected to stay at the same school but he needs to take a long bus ride to get there and he can't just walk out of his house to join a football game with his friends any more. The house is in need of complete renovation too and it seems to Michael as though all his familiar comforts have deserted him.