My Name Is Mina

( 15 )

Overview

Mina loves the night. While everyone else is in a deep slumber, she gazes out the window, witness to the moon's silvery light. In the stillness, she can even hear her own heart beating. This is when Mina feels that anything is possible and her imagination is set free.
     A blank notebook lies on the table. It has been there for what seems like forever. Mina has proclaimed in the past that she will use it as a journal, and one night, at last, she begins to ...

See more details below
Paperback
$6.99
BN.com price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Paperback)
  • All (18) from $3.61   
  • New (13) from $3.61   
  • Used (5) from $5.83   
My Name Is Mina

Available on NOOK devices and apps  
  • Nook Devices
  • NOOK HD/HD+ Tablet
  • NOOK
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for Windows 8 Tablet
  • NOOK for iOS
  • NOOK for Android
  • NOOK Kids for iPad
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK for Windows 8
  • NOOK for PC
  • NOOK for Mac
  • NOOK Study
  • NOOK for Web

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

NOOK Book (eBook)
$6.99
BN.com price
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.

More About This Book

Overview

Mina loves the night. While everyone else is in a deep slumber, she gazes out the window, witness to the moon's silvery light. In the stillness, she can even hear her own heart beating. This is when Mina feels that anything is possible and her imagination is set free.
     A blank notebook lies on the table. It has been there for what seems like forever. Mina has proclaimed in the past that she will use it as a journal, and one night, at last, she begins to do just that. As she writes, Mina makes discoveries both trivial and profound about herself and her world, her thoughts and her dreams.
     Award-winning author David Almond reintroduces readers to the perceptive, sensitive Mina before the events of Skellig in this lyrical and fantastical work. My Name is Mina is not only a pleasure to read, it is an intimate and enlightening look at a character whose open mind and heart have much to teach us about life, love, and the mysteries that surround us.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

Pamela Paul
Wildly imaginative, fantastical…Mina is a perceptive, fiercely curious, and defiant but sensitive girl who will surely prove a heroine for many.
—The New York Times Book Review
Publishers Weekly
This intimate prequel to Skellig is built around Mina McKee, the curious and brilliant home-schooled child who eventually befriends that book’s protagonist, Michael. Mina, a budding writer, reveals her love of words in her journal; most of the book unfolds in a handwritten-looking font, with Mina’s more emphatic entries exploding onto the pages in massive display type. Her lyrical, nonlinear prose records her reflections on her past, existential musings (“The human body is 65 percent water. Two-thirds of me is constantly disappearing, and constantly being replaced. So most of me is not me at all!”), and self-directed writing exercises (“I’ll try to make my words break out of the cages of sadness, and make them sing for joy”). Almond gives readers a vivid picture of the joyfully free-form workings of Mina’s mind and her mixed emotions about being an isolated child. Her gradual emergence from the protective shell of home is beautifully portrayed as she gingerly ventures out into the world. Not as dark, but just as passionate as Almond’s previous works, this novel will inspire children to let their imaginations soar. Ages 10–up. (Oct.)
Children's Literature - Lois Rubin Gross
Black-haired Mina McKee has earned her own novel, and it is well-deserved. In this prequel to Skellig, we get Michael's friend Mina's backstory. Mina is a misfit in her traditional school since she is both a non-conformist and showily intelligent. Mina outside-the-box thinking means that she also learns outside the school. From the top of her backyard tree, she contemplates new life in a bird's nest, the expansiveness of the sky, and how she can bring her dead father back to life. A startlingly original response to a standardized school test gets Mina booted out of school and into home schooling where, she comes under the tutelage of an elegant and an eloquent writer. The book changes color and typeface as Mina goes back and forth between her story and the journal that she keeps for her introspective observations of life. As the story progresses, Mina evolves and recognizes that her singular life may be fine for now, but not for always, and she challenges herself to be as brave as the creatures she observes daily, and acknowledges her mother's courage to continue moving forward from the death of Mina's father. Finally, Mina reaches out for a friend, and the friend is her new neighbor, Michael. Mina's lovely, slow ascension into life is a pleasure to read and is beautifully and movingly worth the trip. Reviewer: Lois Rubin Gross
VOYA - Mary Ann Darby
"There's many ways to [discover how to be yourself], Mina. A different way for each and every one of us. And you know what? It goes on all your life." In a lyrical, whimsical novel, David Almond graces readers with the story of young Mina (from Skellig [Yearling, 2000]) in Mina's own inimitable words. Mina writes her journey of self-discovery through narration, shape poems, free verse, and stories. The reasons behind her being home schooled are slowly unfurled as Mina contemplates life and a bird's nest from her favorite tree. Mina's world includes her love of William Blake's poetry, thoughts of her dead father, true affection for her mother, and dislike of the "cage" she perceives school to be. As Mina and her mother walk and talk one day, her mother observes, "So writing's like taking some words for a walk." That being the case, the whole story of Mina is a thought-provoking and wonderful walk of words that leads up to her introducing herself to Michael. Mina's characterization soars like her beloved birds and shows her to be a thoughtful and observant young woman. She sets "Extraordinary Activities" for herself throughout her story, and indeed, the whole book is an extraordinary reading experience. Middle school and junior high fans of Skellig will welcome Mina and her story, and even those who have not read that tale may want to meet Mina. The cover of the book will draw readers in, as well as the variety of type faces set to mimic Mina's own writing. Teachers may enjoy using some of Mina's delightful activities as writing prompts. Almond has given readers another lovely gift in Mina's story. Reviewer: Mary Ann Darby
School Library Journal
Gr 6–8—Mina fills her new journal with thoughts, dreams, and stories. She has left St. Bede's Middle School to be homeschooled by her mum. The reasons for this are slowly revealed. Mina writes about her home life (happy with her mum, but they both miss her late father). About her time at St. Bede's (unhappy since some of her teachers did not appreciate her extreme sense of whimsy). About a new family moving in up the street (with a young boy who turns out to be Michael from Skellig). About nature (particularly the blackbirds nesting in her tree). And about the time she attended an alternative school (that did not last long). The layout is great fun. Since this is a journal, the main font looks like handwriting. When Mina writes a poem or focuses on a particular word, the "handwriting" gets thicker and darker, as though written with a felt-tip marker. When Mina wants to distance herself from the action, she drops into the third person and writes a story in a more formal typeface. Boxes scattered throughout the text include "Extraordinary Activity" suggestions: writing a particular kind of poem, watching the stars, or flying while you dream. Almond portrays Mina as a girl with a great love of words and learning, and he plays joyfully with language. This might make for tricky going for some readers, but it is truly a wonderful book.—Geri Diorio, Ridgefield Library, CT
Kirkus Reviews

A blank notebook sings its siren song to 9-year-old wordsmith Mina McKee in this mesmerizing prequel to British author Almond's award-winning Skellig (1998).

Mina's bold, uneven hand scrawls "My name is Mina and I love the night" in her first chapter "Moonlight, Wonder, Flies & Nonsense." Rather than chronicling her life in England with her widowed mother "to boring infinitum," she decides to let her words "murmur and scream and dance and sing." The result is the portrait of a writer as a young girl. Mina wonders and wanders, giddily examining the nature of the mind, language, sadness, swearing, schools-as-cages, daftness, owls, death, God, verbs, pee, pneumatization, spaghetti pomodoro and modern art—all through essays, footnotes, poems, stories, dreams, creative writing assignments and the occasional "extraordinary fact," such as that household dust is mostly made up of human skin. The pages can't quite contain Mina's mad joy for life's wonders, not even with occasional blasts of giant black type and rashes of exclamation points. Readers who feel like outsiders may find a kindred spirit in the homeschooled, mostly friendless Mina, who has been called everything from a witch to "Miss Bonkers," and fans of Skellig will enjoy discovering the moment when Michael moves in next door to Mina.

A fascinating, if breathless ramble through the cosmos. (Fiction. 10-14)

Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780375873270
  • Publisher: Random House Children's Books
  • Publication date: 10/9/2012
  • Pages: 304
  • Sales rank: 404,003
  • Age range: 10 - 14 Years
  • Product dimensions: 5.10 (w) x 7.50 (h) x 0.80 (d)

Meet the Author

DAVID ALMOND lives in England.

Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 15 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(8)

4 Star

(1)

3 Star

(4)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(2)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
Sort by: Showing all of 15 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 15, 2011

    Looks interesting

    Looks good has anyone read this book

    3 out of 10 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 15, 2012

    HORRIBLE!!!!

    I gave up on this book! I couldn't stand to read any more. I would reccomend not reading it. Of course, YOU might like it. It was jusy my opinion.

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 11, 2012

    Library book

    I love this book, i got it from the library and i just had to get on my nook. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 3, 2012

    Amazing!

    I checked this book out from my school library, and it is one of the best books I have ever read! It has lots of personality. Mina, the main character, is easy to relate to. The book makes you think about many things. It makes you wonder about some opinions you have, but one thing you won't wonder about is why you're reading this book! A must-read for anyone!!!!!!!!!!

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 11, 2012

    Mina

    Yeah i read the sample it looks AWOUSOME COOL

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 4, 2013

    Amamzing

    I think that you people thst dont like the book should shut up this book is AMAZING i love this book because it is random and random is good!!!! READ IT!!!!!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 28, 2012

    Really well written

    It had amazing detail and it made you want to keep reading!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 9, 2012

    Az

    Love it

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 5, 2012

    good interesting read.

    good interesting read.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 6, 2013

    Doesn't Deserve A Star

    This was a horrible book. I gave up on it and I don'tgive up on books.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 22, 2012

    Great

    I love this book so much. For those of you who have read House On Mango Street this book is something like that. A girl cut off from society who just wants a friend.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted June 30, 2012

    Ktfaycycsnrmfv

    I dont know about you guys but i thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me think about things i havent thought of before and made me question myself and left me wondering . After reading this book i looked at the world from a completely different prospective. I loved this book and thought it was well written.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted May 30, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    This prequel to Skellig is a difficult book for me to judge. Who

    This prequel to Skellig is a difficult book for me to judge. Who is the intended audience? Preteens? Mina is a young girl whose father has died and after difficulties at school, is being homeschooled by her mother. She is a free spirit who has a favorite tree which she climbs to watch the world and write in her journal. She is inquisitive, a young girl who asks questions about the world which seem a bit out of place coming from someone so young. She is a dreamer, thoughtful and kind. This was a book I just didn't get. Perhaps if I'd read Skellig prior to this book, Mina's story would make more sense. I see it as a good teacher reference for writing activities but don't think it would be a book checked out much in my library. Thanks to Puget Sound Council for the review copy.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 16, 2012

    Seen it

    Well my libariran showed me the book today bout i took another book out so I am going to read it, but it looks intresting

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 19, 2013

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing all of 15 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)