From: Laurie Holmquist <lholm>
Date: Fri, 07 Jul 2000 10:57:31 -0600

I was excited to hear that CCBC Net will be discussing David Almond books this month. I read "Skellig" with my group of 12 5th grade girls this year in our book club, and they voted it their favorite read of the year. They were wondering about the title, and I did hear David Almond speak and talk about both of his recent books. Many of you probably know that the title
"Skellig" was taken from an island off the coast of Ireland, which is uninhabited, but has legend and mystery surrounding it. David Almond grew up in the setting he talks about in "Kit's Wilderness", which helps lend it such authenticity. I am anxious to read this book with my book club this fall, and see what a new crop of fifth graders think of it. It was interesting for me to hear him talk about the struggles he had to write for adults, and how he never thought about writing for young people. Then
"Skellig" just poured out of him, and his editor was astounded, and knew that it would do well with young people. When I heard him speak, and talked with him later, he still seemed shell-shocked by the public response. He told us that writing is still for him, "hard work" and that he does it on a manual typewriter, one line at a time!! I, too, feel that "Kit's Wilderness" is better than "Skellig," or maybe just different. They are both wonderful books, that have been very well received by the children with whom I have shared them. What they like most is the characters, and how real and human, and flawed they are - easy to identify with is the feedback I get.

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Received on Fri 07 Jul 2000 11:57:31 AM CDT