The Ghost of Grania O'Malley - Softcover

Morpurgo, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0749746912 ISBN 13: 9780749746919

Publisher: Egmont Childrens Books, 2001

Synopsis

'Up there it's like you belong, like you're part of something that's been going on for thousands of years. It's special, real special, a living, breathing thing. You cut the top off Big Hill and you'd be killing it for sure.' There is gold in the Big Hill on Clare Island. It would make many of the islanders rich. But to claim it would mean destroying the hill for ever. Jessie Parsons and her American cousin, Jack, can't bear this to happen. The Big Hill is the heart of the island, special, beautiful, the perfect place. Can they save it before it's too late? Not on their own, maybe. But they have a secret ally...the ghost of Grania O'Malley.

About this title

About the Author:

Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. He is one of the most successful children's authors in the country, loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. His novels have been adapted for film (My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came) and stage (including, Kensuke's Kingdom for the Polka Theatre and Why the Whales Came for Alibi). Michael received an OBE in December 2006 for his services to literature.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 4-6?Realism and fantasy are artfully blended in this novel set on an island off the Irish coast. Jessie struggles with cerebral palsy, but her hardest battle is against those who continually remind her of her limitations. Unbeknownst to anyone, she climbs the Big Hill that dominates Clare Island. There she appreciates the splendid view and feels the magic of a special place. There, too, she hears for the first time the voice of the long-dead female pirate, Grania O'Malley. Jessie's world is soon disrupted both by the arrival of Jack, an American cousin, and by the news that a mining company has acquired rights to cut off the top of Big Hill to search for gold. However, Grania O'Malley is determined to save it, involving Jessie and Jack in her plans. In a climactic confrontation, Jack makes a heartfelt plea that results in the community ascending the hill en masse to defend it. O'Malley and her pirate band join in to create a triumphant victory. There is a lot going on in the story; however, Morpurgo combines the many elements successfully. Jessie is an appealing character who grows in self-confidence and in the eyes of others. Jack's sojourn to Ireland helps him see what is important so that he can return home able to face his own problems. The appearances and actions of the pirates are convincing, and several minor characters are distinctly portrayed. An appealing, well-told story.?Jane Gardner Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Egmont Childrens Books
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0749746912
• ISBN 13: 9780749746919
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 213