From: Kathleen Horning <horning>
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2000 10:03:40 -0500

It's been interesting to see the varied opinions on "Skellig" and its appeal (or lack thereof) for young readers ? or any readers, for that matter. This seems to be consistent with what we found last year in our monthly book discussion at the CCBC in which we discussed "Skellig." People were clearly divided in their opinions about the book ? they either loved it or hated it, and there didn't seem to be any middle ground.

Judging from the customer comments on sites like Amazon.com and Amazon.com.uk, there is the same division among younger readers as well. So it would seem that the division isn't based on age. Nor does it fall along national boundaries. Readers either love or hate it on both sides of the Atlantic. My guess is it's probably more a matter of literary taste and the readers' expectations than it is literary quality, as many seem to have a strong visceral reaction to the book.

You may recall that "Skelling" was named a Michael Printz Award Honor Book earlier this year. This is the new U.S. award for outstanding young adult (ages 12) literature. I'm wondering if, as a result of the visibility brought about by this award, any of you have had any experiences with teen readers of "Skelling."

Kathleen T. Horning (horning at education.wisc.edu) Cooperative Children's Book Center University of Wisconsin-School of Education 4290 Helen C. White Hall 600 North Park St. Madison, WI 53706 608&3930 FAX: 608&2I33
Received on Thu 13 Jul 2000 10:03:40 AM CDT