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 (homeschooled?) 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?