Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
Walker (2008), Edition: FIRST EDITION, Hardcover, 80 pages
Description
A boy tells about a story he wrote when dealing with his father's death about a savage kid living in a ruined chapel in the woods--and the tale about the savage kid coming to life in the real world.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bitter_Grace
More an illustrated short story than a graphic novel, The Savage, with its vivid drawings and simple but insightful prose, explores the idea of finding within oneself the means of overcoming adversity and loss.
Narrated by a boy on the cusp of young adulthood, looking back on stories he wrote as a
David Almond expertly captures the voice of Blue at two different ages and stages of maturity. The younger version of Blue writes stories about “the Savage,” a boy remarkably similar to Blue himself, only primal, violent, and incapable of expressing himself in words. As the stories progress they begin to have an effect on the world, both in the form of violence toward those he hates, and tenderness toward those he loves. And over time, Blue and the Savage learn from each other the qualities of strength and temperance, respectively. Later, the older Blue reflects on the Savage’s place in his life.
Just flipping through the pages to look ahead at the illustrations gives a feeling that this book belongs in the horror genre. The scratchy, surreal quality of Dave McKean’s pen and ink drawings seems to suggest a nightmarish plot. But the story is in fact more moving than sinister and the drawings, when put into context, seem less harsh and illustrate well the dark side of Blue's emotional state.
This book will appeal to young readers who tend to avoid longer books and who enjoy the visual aspect of graphic novels, as well as fans of authors such as Neil Gaiman.
Release date: Oct. 14, 2008 (just in time for Halloween!)
Many thanks to Candlewick Press and LibraryThing for this Early Review copy.
Narrated by a boy on the cusp of young adulthood, looking back on stories he wrote as a
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child coming to terms with his father’s death as well as torment at the hands of a local bully, this story-within-a-story focuses on developing with age a greater understanding of the world and relating to the people in it: people who are not black and white but rather vary from “more good than bad” to “more bad than good.” David Almond expertly captures the voice of Blue at two different ages and stages of maturity. The younger version of Blue writes stories about “the Savage,” a boy remarkably similar to Blue himself, only primal, violent, and incapable of expressing himself in words. As the stories progress they begin to have an effect on the world, both in the form of violence toward those he hates, and tenderness toward those he loves. And over time, Blue and the Savage learn from each other the qualities of strength and temperance, respectively. Later, the older Blue reflects on the Savage’s place in his life.
Just flipping through the pages to look ahead at the illustrations gives a feeling that this book belongs in the horror genre. The scratchy, surreal quality of Dave McKean’s pen and ink drawings seems to suggest a nightmarish plot. But the story is in fact more moving than sinister and the drawings, when put into context, seem less harsh and illustrate well the dark side of Blue's emotional state.
This book will appeal to young readers who tend to avoid longer books and who enjoy the visual aspect of graphic novels, as well as fans of authors such as Neil Gaiman.
Release date: Oct. 14, 2008 (just in time for Halloween!)
Many thanks to Candlewick Press and LibraryThing for this Early Review copy.
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LibraryThing member imperfectionist
Perhaps it's because of his father's death, but Blue Baker knows that real life doesn't play out the same way as fairy tales. Therefore, when he started scribbling his own story, he decided to write about a savage – a fearsome, wild being who lives off of terrifying and eating people. This was
The story mostly revolves around the savage, though I think it's interesting how it seems to be a wilder, angst-y version of Blue. There was a part where Blue seem to question whether he was the savage. I found the blend of Blue's and the savage's story really intriguing. The Savage reads more like a big picture book than an actual novel. The pictures were fiercely illustrated; it captured how I would have imagined the savage. Another interesting thing I noticed was how the savage was illustrated in blue most of the time, and the protagonist is named Blue. Perhaps that's just a coincidence though.
For such a simple story, there are some great themes and messages pertaining to grief and bullying. Though he's overridden with hatred for Hopper, a bully, Blue doesn't lose sight of himself. While writing about the savage, Blue refused to kill Hopper.
For a story about angst, grief, and hatred, this was a pleasant (as well as relevant) read. It is a VERY quick read though, as it's aimed towards children.
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how Blue dealt with his grief. As Blue continued writing, he became more involved with the story – he even included himself, his sister, and the kid who keeps bullying him in it. What Blue didn't expect was for the savage to come to life as well as the events he had written. The story mostly revolves around the savage, though I think it's interesting how it seems to be a wilder, angst-y version of Blue. There was a part where Blue seem to question whether he was the savage. I found the blend of Blue's and the savage's story really intriguing. The Savage reads more like a big picture book than an actual novel. The pictures were fiercely illustrated; it captured how I would have imagined the savage. Another interesting thing I noticed was how the savage was illustrated in blue most of the time, and the protagonist is named Blue. Perhaps that's just a coincidence though.
For such a simple story, there are some great themes and messages pertaining to grief and bullying. Though he's overridden with hatred for Hopper, a bully, Blue doesn't lose sight of himself. While writing about the savage, Blue refused to kill Hopper.
For a story about angst, grief, and hatred, this was a pleasant (as well as relevant) read. It is a VERY quick read though, as it's aimed towards children.
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LibraryThing member TrishWalton
I have always enjoyed the metaphysical nature of David Almond's books, this one included.
Blue is a boy whose dad recently passed away, giving the local bully, Hopper, even more reasons to target Blue. When his guidance counselor suggests writing as a way to deal with his grief, Blue finds that
Is Savage Blue's alter-ego? Is Savage the dark-side of Blue and only in his imagination? Are Blue and Savage the same person - two sides of one coin? The questions resonate with readers and we are left thinking...and thinking some more.
To me, the hallmark of a great book is this quality - does it make me THINK and does it stay with me and continue to make me THINK. has done this for me.
Geared toward middle readers, the graphic novel format, the story-within-a-story mode, and the real topics of grief and bullying are a well-done combo.
Blue is a boy whose dad recently passed away, giving the local bully, Hopper, even more reasons to target Blue. When his guidance counselor suggests writing as a way to deal with his grief, Blue finds that
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writing a story about "Savage" and drawing him does help. The story of Savage, as written & illustrated by Blue, is included within the now-older-narrator-Blue's story. When Savage comes to life and goes to Hopper's house in the night, intending to kill him, but only beating him up, readers are left wondering...Is Savage Blue's alter-ego? Is Savage the dark-side of Blue and only in his imagination? Are Blue and Savage the same person - two sides of one coin? The questions resonate with readers and we are left thinking...and thinking some more.
To me, the hallmark of a great book is this quality - does it make me THINK and does it stay with me and continue to make me THINK. has done this for me.
Geared toward middle readers, the graphic novel format, the story-within-a-story mode, and the real topics of grief and bullying are a well-done combo.
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LibraryThing member rfewell
A wonderful illustrated short novel about a boy who is bullied after his father dies. He creates a savage who helps him through this difficult time in his life.
LibraryThing member jadelennox
David Almond, author of the Skellig, has teamed up with Dave McKean, best known for his collaborations with Neil Gaiman, to create this creepy disconcertingly heartwarming story of a boy surviving after his father's death. Bullied at school and stunned by grief at home, Blue survives by scribbling
However, Almond's lyrical prose and McKean's skilled-if-scary artwork are both lovely enough to make up for any mismatch in the team.
The poor spelling in Blue's written story is a good idea in theory, but in practice, so densely packed throughout that it becomes distracting affectation.
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stories in a notebook, stories of a savage boy living in the woods behind his town. The savage boy speaks only in growls, and eats hens, pets, and even people. Nonetheless, he's strangely gentle hearted. Though Blue writes about the Savage eating unnamed people, he finds himself unable to tell the story of the savage killing and eating Blue's nemesis, the bullying Hopper. The stories of the savage come closer and closer to Blue's real life, and the line between fantasy and reality blurs, all leading to a heartwarming conclusion of recovery. McKean's trademark terrifying illustrations make a somewhat incongruous match for a story in which, ultimately, nothing particularly dark happens. The illustrations add enough weight to the threat of something magically horrific happening that it's actively surprising when nothing does.However, Almond's lyrical prose and McKean's skilled-if-scary artwork are both lovely enough to make up for any mismatch in the team.
The poor spelling in Blue's written story is a good idea in theory, but in practice, so densely packed throughout that it becomes distracting affectation.
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LibraryThing member razzbelly
What a wonderful story. I love how the Blue came to handle his grieving of his father through writing. And not only did it help with his grief, but with his understanding of the school bully who tormented him constantly.
A great story to show that violence isn't always the way to solve a problem.
A great story to show that violence isn't always the way to solve a problem.
LibraryThing member HMoonier
Having never read a graphic novel before I really didn't know what to expect. I have to say I really did enjoy this book. It was a very short read but the story really touches you. Blue is a young boy troubled with the death of his father and the impact it's had on his family. Through the story of
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The Savage he creates in his journal he is able cope with the loss of his father and begins to develop a new found confidence in himself. I’d also like to add that the illustrations are amazing, they really capture the mood of the story. This is definately a great read for any tween boy! Show Less
LibraryThing member eduscapes
Like the works of Neil Gaiman, David Almond is an author that's difficult to classify. Although his characters are often young, many of his themes are more appropriate for older features. This is particularly true of The Savage.
With primitive, yet effective illustrations by Dave McKean, this
Although the book is intended for children 11 and up, parents and librarians should be aware of the disturbing and violent themes that might not be appropriate for all tweens.
With primitive, yet effective illustrations by Dave McKean, this
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short, illustrated novel focuses on the experiences of a young savage living in the woods and a young boy living nearby. The lines between reality and fantasy are blurred when these two characters come together. Young readers will be drawn to the frightening plot as well as the true-to-life characters.Although the book is intended for children 11 and up, parents and librarians should be aware of the disturbing and violent themes that might not be appropriate for all tweens.
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LibraryThing member edspicer
While this book is only 80 pages, readers should not be fooled into thinking that it is short on content. Encouraged to use a journal to deal with the death of his father, Blue instead begins inking a story that is much darker and far more dangerous. Blue draws and writes about a silent savage who
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kills and eats people. Gradually this savage intrudes upon the story narrative. The lines between Blue and the savage become increasingly tangled. No doubt the death of his father and the bullies that plague him, factor into Blue’s increasing confusion. The artwork in this book augments the disturbing mood adding an effective nightmarish element to this layered story. The legion of teens who love horror will enjoy this one, as will those who enjoy puzzling out Almond’s images and metaphors. Show Less
LibraryThing member Redon
David Almond's website declares, "David is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative children's authors writing today." I can't quite agree with that. Almond's books might be innovative compared to those of other authors - but compared to himself, he's getting very same old, same
That isn't to say this is a bad book, because it really isn't. It's a sensitive portrayal of grief, and the melding of Blue's two worlds is fascinating. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it for children, since it combines good emotional lessons with enough action to keep them interested, plus it's an easier read than Almond's other books. I just don't feel it offers anything the author hasn't given us before and better.
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old. The Savage reads very much like he took his earlier book Kit's Wilderness and chopped it down to 80 pages (half of which are more illustration than text). A child who doesn't know how to handle grief, fact and fiction blurring together... I don't feel that the shorter length was a favor for this book either; I've always felt that David Almond's books worked beautifully for adults as well as for children because of their subtlety and depth, but by compressing the storyline so much, it loses a lot of that. I suppose the direct route may be more authentically childlike and honest, but I found the subtlety more spellbinding.That isn't to say this is a bad book, because it really isn't. It's a sensitive portrayal of grief, and the melding of Blue's two worlds is fascinating. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it for children, since it combines good emotional lessons with enough action to keep them interested, plus it's an easier read than Almond's other books. I just don't feel it offers anything the author hasn't given us before and better.
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LibraryThing member SturgisPublicLibrary
Don't let the cover disturb you! Blue Baker, the main character of the story, deals with his emotions after his father dies by writing his own story about a kid living wild in the woods. Called the Savage, is his story character really as scary as he seems?
LibraryThing member kivarson
After Blue Baker's father dies, he begins writing the story of a savage boy who lives in the woods. When Blue is bullied by Hopper, the savage comes to life and puts Hopper in his place. Much like "Fight Club", written from a juvenile's perspective.
LibraryThing member ohioyalibrarian
This illustrated story is about the length of a short story. It concerns a boy whose father has died and how he copes with his grief by writing the story of a savage boy. The line between reality and fantasy blurs in the story as does the life of the real boy with the fictional one. An interesting
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concept with wonderful illustrations by Dave McKean. It was a bit brief for me however and I'm not sure how many teens would actually pick it up. Show Less
LibraryThing member Prop2gether
This story by David Almond and illustrated by Dave McKean is a beautiful telling of a story of grief and reconciliation. Having loved Skellig, I was also prepared for something unusual because the cover shows a child yelling—in pain? In a manical attack? The story and the illustrations seem to be
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seamless, conjoining of written word and picture, each complementing the other. Blue’s father has died and the school counselor advises Blue to write out his feelings. Blue is sharing the book he wrote, complete with spelling and other errors, with the reader. Blue eventually writes about a wild boy who lives in the nearby woods and who has adventures but is also capable of facing down the local bully. At some point for Blue, the difference between his reality and the story he’s writing begin to blur, and Blue realizes there is some interaction between his creation and himself. In one sense, this is similar to classic (and I mean the non-politically correct) fairy stories which were meant to scare and teach. Blue’s creation is scary, but he helps Blue make sense of his world, and Blue to help his mother and sister. This is not a book for small children, but for tweeners and older, especially those having some issue in life, this might be an excellent choice. Show Less
LibraryThing member drakescott
Another exceptional and quietly moving work of lyrical prose by David Almond, this time enhanced by the graphic illustrations of Dave McKean. Narrated by Blue, a boy mourning the sudden death of his father, this short graphic novel is a story within a story, as Blue writes his own tale about the
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Savage, a feral boy he imagines lives in his town. In the hands of a lesser author, the narrative might have become a muddled mess, but from Almond's pen, the result is a superb blend of fantasy and truth in which young Blue discovers that he and the Savage have more in common than he realized. The work's one shortcoming - and the reason it doesn't merit a 5-star rating - is the inconsistency of the ink-and Photoshop illustrations, which are occasionally nondescript and add little to the story, though Almond's effortless skill carries it all. Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
I have previously read "The Skellig" by David Almond and really liked it. So, I was eager to read another book by Almond. When I saw that Dave McKean (illustrator for many of Gaimen's kid's books and graphic novels) had illustrated this I had to read it. The story was interesting but not what I
The story is written in two alternating parts. It starts as a normal printed book with a kid, Blue, talking about how he wrote a story as a younger kid about a Savage in a notebook. He started the story about the Savage right after his dad suddenly died from a heart attack. Then there is a section from the notebook, the story is hand-written with bad spelling (as a little kid would write it) and drawings of the Savage's adventures. These sections alternate back and forth as Blue describes his life as it was then and then shows another story about the Savage. The twist to the whole story is this, it seems that the Savage is not just a story and he may really exist.
When I started the book I wasn't sure I would like it. The Savage is pretty violent and there is some starred out swearing. I started reading it to my young son, and then opted to stop because it was a bit too violent for him. Lots of cutting things apart and thinking about cutting mean people to pieces. Okay for a young adult or pre-teen but not for a young child. Also the mis-spelling in the hand-written portions of the story bugged me...but I understand that we were supposed to be reading the writing of a young child.
As the story continued I really started to like it. Especially towards the end. By the time I finished the book I was thinking, wow, this is a really cool book. It is very creative and has a very deep story and I really liked it!
This book is a quick read; took me maybe 40 minutes to read it or so. I really ended up enjoying it but I would recommend as a read for the pre-teen or older crowd. I got the book from the library and they did have it in the young adult section. I didn't like this book as much as "The Skellig" but it was still a good read. I will definitely be checking out more of David Almond's works in the future.
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expected.The story is written in two alternating parts. It starts as a normal printed book with a kid, Blue, talking about how he wrote a story as a younger kid about a Savage in a notebook. He started the story about the Savage right after his dad suddenly died from a heart attack. Then there is a section from the notebook, the story is hand-written with bad spelling (as a little kid would write it) and drawings of the Savage's adventures. These sections alternate back and forth as Blue describes his life as it was then and then shows another story about the Savage. The twist to the whole story is this, it seems that the Savage is not just a story and he may really exist.
When I started the book I wasn't sure I would like it. The Savage is pretty violent and there is some starred out swearing. I started reading it to my young son, and then opted to stop because it was a bit too violent for him. Lots of cutting things apart and thinking about cutting mean people to pieces. Okay for a young adult or pre-teen but not for a young child. Also the mis-spelling in the hand-written portions of the story bugged me...but I understand that we were supposed to be reading the writing of a young child.
As the story continued I really started to like it. Especially towards the end. By the time I finished the book I was thinking, wow, this is a really cool book. It is very creative and has a very deep story and I really liked it!
This book is a quick read; took me maybe 40 minutes to read it or so. I really ended up enjoying it but I would recommend as a read for the pre-teen or older crowd. I got the book from the library and they did have it in the young adult section. I didn't like this book as much as "The Skellig" but it was still a good read. I will definitely be checking out more of David Almond's works in the future.
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LibraryThing member kinganlorri
Dual story: Blue Baker's father has died unexpectedly. While overcome with grief, he must also contend with the neighborhood bully, Hopper. Trying to find some peace, Blue writes the violent account of "The Savage" whose fictional story intertwines with Blue's real life. Short story that is
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riveting, but not for younger readers. Illustrated by Dave McKean. (Coraline) Show Less
LibraryThing member AlbertPascal
Blue is a young boy dealing with the sudden loss of his father. He lives with his mom and younger sister, and at school he's trying also to deal with a bully that is making his life even more miserable. This is a personal story about how Blue comes to terms with his new life and its challenges by
I actually selected this book because I recognized Dave McKean, who illustrated Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. I really admired his drawing style in that book, so I was eager to see his other stuff. The Savage is nicely illustrated, too.
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writing in his notebook. His story takes on more meaning for him as he writes it, and Blue comes to realize that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. He has a lot of emotions running through him and the book helps him channel them in constructive (and non-violent) ways. I actually selected this book because I recognized Dave McKean, who illustrated Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. I really admired his drawing style in that book, so I was eager to see his other stuff. The Savage is nicely illustrated, too.
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LibraryThing member stonelaura
In this illustrated story (Included in Yalsa’s 2009 Great Graphic Novels for Teens) Blue Baker is still grieving over the loss of his dad, even though he may not admit it. He’s also taunted by a fearsome bully who preys on Blue’s vulnerability. Blue’s school counselor encourages him to
The pictures have a stark fierceness to them, but the weight and meaning of the story may elude the target audience.
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write down his feelings, but it seems pointless to Blue. Instead he finds himself drawing pictures of a wild boy who’s not afraid of anything, or anyone and suddenly his attempt at storytelling takes on new meaning. By the end of the story, when the savage boy and Blue have melded into one, Blue finally finds the resolution he’s been craving.The pictures have a stark fierceness to them, but the weight and meaning of the story may elude the target audience.
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LibraryThing member bplma
When Blue's father dies, everything changes for him--the loss is enormous, huge, devastating, and raw. At the same time blue is also forced to deal with a bully---a really meanspirited and viscous boy--who torments him in a really disturbing way. As the child becomes depressed and more introverted,
I really like The Savage-- i found it beautifully written-- slim in volume but deep in emotion. And like all works for young people that deal with the issue of bullying in an authentic manner, the adults in the story--even loving, caring ones, fail to deal with the issue in any direct or effective way---leaving the victim feeling truly on his own. This is a British import filled with british english expressions that i think it is good to expose our kids to. The graphic within a novel format works very well, allowing us to see both sides of Blue--the boy and his psyche---and his healing. Magic and emotion, pain, bullying, fear, shame , anger, revenge, longing--the book has lots to think and talk and teach about. Highly recommended.
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his teacher suggests he write a story to help him deal with his feelings--Blue writes from the pain and creates a savage character (this is the graphic) who may be real or not, who may be Blue, or not....The story Blue creates is intensely personal--for a long time he will not share it with even his mother--and the Savage becomes an embodiment of Blue's feelings--the pain, the frustration, the rage--and desire for revenge--and in the end, becomes the catalyst for Blue to recover..with a little magical realism help! I really like The Savage-- i found it beautifully written-- slim in volume but deep in emotion. And like all works for young people that deal with the issue of bullying in an authentic manner, the adults in the story--even loving, caring ones, fail to deal with the issue in any direct or effective way---leaving the victim feeling truly on his own. This is a British import filled with british english expressions that i think it is good to expose our kids to. The graphic within a novel format works very well, allowing us to see both sides of Blue--the boy and his psyche---and his healing. Magic and emotion, pain, bullying, fear, shame , anger, revenge, longing--the book has lots to think and talk and teach about. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member bibliotecayamaguchi
magine you wrote a story and that story came true. This is exactly what happens to Blue Baker when he writes about a savage living alone in the woods near his home. After his dad’s death, Blue finds comfort in dreaming of a wild kid who survives on a diet of berries and the occasional hapless
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passer-by. But when the savage pays a night-time visit to the local bully, boundaries become blurred and Blue begins to wonder where he ends and the savage begins. Part novel, part graphic novel, this moving story features striking art from the award-winning Dave McKean. Show Less
Awards
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing (Nominee — 2009)
Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration (Nominee — 2009)
Prix Sorcières (2011)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 2009)
CCBC Choices (2009)
Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2009)
Language
Physical description
80 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
1406308153 / 9781406308150
Local notes
Blue Baker is writing a story — not all that stuff about wizards and fairies and happily ever after — a real story, about blood and guts and adventures, because that's what life's really like. At least it is for Blue, since his dad died and Hopper, the town bully, started knocking him and the other kids around. But Blue's story has a life of its own — weird and wild and magic and dark — and when the savage pays a nighttime visit to Hopper, Blue starts to wonder where he ends and his creation begins.
Ex-library book.
Ex-library book.