Skellig

For Michael and his family, things seem to have gone from bad to worse--they've just moved into a new house, but it needs a lot of work, and Michael's little sister is very, very ill. As he tries to cope with his family's problems, Michael begins exploring the neighborhood in an effort to take his mind off of things. One day, he decides to check out the creepy and crumbling garage in the backyard, and discovers something truly amazing and out-of-this-world--a creature who calls himself Skellig. Michael can't figure out what the creature is--man, animal, or alien--but soon the two begin to rely on one another. Micheal eventually tells his best friend, Mina, about Skellig's presence, relieving him of the giant secret he's been trying to keep to himself. Michael's family problems worsen, but something magical happens--could it be Skellig? A Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 1999.