Almond, David. Clay

ALMOND, David. Clay. Random House, Delacorte. 224p c2006 0-385-73171-X $1595 (Lib. bdg: 0-385-90208-5 $1799) J *

Altar male childs Davie and Geordie are well behaved single when adults are looking; their biggest point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled is Mouldy, a threatening browbeater or so they think. Then Stephen Rose approachs to their small village in northern England, and Davie's world abruptly changes. Stephen is a strange and disturbed lad who creates beautiful sculptures on the outside of clay. He convinces Davie that he can bring them to life, and that Davie can, too. The sum of two units work in an abandoned garden to form a golem a man made of clay--and then mildewed meets his death. Is it really an accident, or is the golem--or Stephen--responsible? Is Stephen not just creepy on the other hand truly malevolent? And has Davie also become Stephen's plaything, his creation? This spooky tale from the author of Skellig, Kit's Wilderness, and other poetic and unusual volumes for YAs takes on a certain number of big ideas here, including the nature of evil and of creativity. It's a powerful and provocative tale, with religious overtones, and it will haunt readers drawn out after they finish it. Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT

J--Recommend for junior high seminary students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommend for senior high institute students.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Kliatt

COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group