David Almond’s The Savage is a unique book with a story within a story. Dave McKean’s illustrations help capture the savagery of the inner story.

After his father dies, Blue Baker starts to write a story. He is supposed to be writing about his feelings, but he decides to spin a tale about a savage who lives in a ruined church in his town. This savage runs wild, killing small animals for food, and even stealing desserts from houses and shops. While the savage is a savage, Blue shows that he does have a softer side, especially when he sees Blue’s younger sister. Blue does give a savage a very hateful side, though, when he encounters the school bully. What Blue does not know is that his story is real and has a twist to it that he could never have imagined on his own.

Blue is a character that many readers can easily relate to. He has problems in his life, but he also has good things, like his mom and sister. And even though he thinks he is not writing about his feelings after his father’s death, his story about the savage is all about his feelings, and even younger readers will understand that. The interesting thing that Almond does with Blue’s story is to writing it as a child would, with a crude font and misspelled words. McKean’s illustrations are only used for the savage story, also helping distinguish it from the narrative.

The Savage is a very interesting story that will make readers think. However, some of it may be a little too savage for readers younger than the recommended ages of 9 and up.

Book Stats:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076363932X
• ISBN-13: 978-0763639327

To purchase a print copy of The Savage click here.

To visit the book contributors websites click here:
David Almond
Dave McKean

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