- Almond, David. Skellig. New York: Delacorte Press USA, 1998.
Reason for Nomination: If this book had been written this past year, I would certainly agree with the nomination for a Printz Award, if only the Printz Honor. Its greatest strengths lie in the emotional potency and unabashed innocent curiosity of the main character, Michael. The narrative tone is completely consistent and accurate, and the reader will feel torn between his joyous excitement and somber introspection. Weighing in at less than 200 pages, with a pacing pushed by continued discovery and 2 page chapters, this is the sort of book that has the potential of keeping the reader engaged to the fullest, and made me want to read in one shot.
Almond employs effective use of thematic rebirth metaphors by keying in on springtime and the renovation of the family's derelict house, which both symbolize Michael's quest to nurse the creature Skellig back to life and find out who or what he is. This journey is certainly one of self-discovery that is relevant to any teen. It is told in a completely believable but extraordinary way that I believe would inspire a solemn sense of wonder and awe in any reader. My only criticism would be the continued reference to William Blake writings, that while topical and timely, tended to wear on me. It is possible young adult readers would latch onto this prose and be interested in the related reading, but beyond that I found it to be not as valuable as it should have been.
For a brief read that illustrates with stark beauty the humble arc of juvenile development and a wholly original discovery of love and courage, this novel is fantastic and entirely deserving of its Printz Honor Award.
Genre categories: Printz Award winner, fiction, supernatural, fantasy
