How is ‘Skellig’ an empowering story which takes you on a journey of friendship, love, and courage.

I think there is a theme of faith that is empowering. Faith isn't conceived of in the religious, especially orthodox, sense—rather, the young characters of the novel exhibit faith in the wondrous: faith in the things that don't make sense—the things that perplex and disturb them. If adults saw Skellig in the garage, they would no doubt have a fit and call the police immediately; Michael, in contrast, only wants to help. If adults saw Skellig's wings, they would immediately try to figure out what he was, dragging him to doctors and scientists. For Michael and Mina, though they are curious, the only thing that matters is that Skellig grows to be happy and healthy. Almond teaches his young readers to have faith that there is magic and beauty in the world, even when it doesn't quite look like what you expected.