Youth Book Club Kit Questions Skellig By David Almond

Youth Book Club Kit Questions
Skellig

By David Almond

1. 
   Michael is left alone because his sister is sick and his dad is preoccupied with fixing their new house. Do you think Michael’s parents neglect him? Why or why not? Do you think parents should spend equal time with their children regardless of the children’s circumstances? Why or why not?
   

2. 
   Mina is educated at home. How does the book describe her education? Would you like to be educated at home? Do you know anyone who is educated at home (home-schooled?) How does Mina’s experience compare to Michael’s? How does Mina’s work compare to the sort of work you do?
   

3. 
   What do you think contributed to Mina’s self-confidence? How was her upbringing different from Michael’s? Do you think it was better or worse than his?
   

4. 
   What was the significance of Michael feeling his baby sister’s heartbeat? Do you think that people can be that close? Why or why not?
   

5. 
   Michael found Skellig in the garage. He brought Mina to see, just to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. Have you ever seen or felt anything that you needed reassurance about? Is it good to have a confidant to share with?
   

6. 
   Skellig is also important to Michael’s friendship with Mina. Michael first takes Mina to see Skellig and then they begin to work together to help Skellig. How does this make them better friends?
   

7. 
   Michael’s buddies accused Michael of being consumed with the “Monkey girl”. Have you ever changed allegiance form one group of friends to another? Was Michael better for having a relationship with his school friends and with Minna? Is it easy to be friends with different people?
   

8. 
   When Mina and Michael try to decide what Skellig is, Mina says, “We have to allow ourselves to see what there is to see, and we have to imagine.” Skellig himself says that he is “Something like you, something like a beast, something like a bird, something like and angel.” What do you think is most important about Skellig and what does he make you think about? Was he real or imaginary?
   

9. 
   Do you think Skellig’s disappearance and Joy’s recovery had anything to do with each other? Why or why not?
   

10. 
    What role do you think Skellig played in this book?