The Secret Life of Owen Skye - 2nd Edition by Alan Cumyn (Paperback)

About the Book

The Skye brothers -- skinny, quiet, big-eared Owen and his smart older brother Andy -- live in a rural village with their parents and weird Uncle Lorne, a shy bachelor who sleeps on a cot in the basement and takes out his teeth at night. On his way home from hockey practice one evening, Owen catches a glimpse of a girl named Sylvia. He falls hopelessly in love, and Valentine's Day turns into one big disaster. Thank goodness for life at home, where there's a brother to talk to and plot adventures with. Yet the Skye boys somehow manage to turn every innocent plan into a full-scale ordeal. A search for a hammer turns into a brush with the deadly Bog Man, a midnight visit to the snow fort to meet with aliens becomes a near-death experience. This funny, magical novel celebrates the everyday joys and drama of being a kid and, especially, being a boy. Owen's small-town childhood may be simple, but his days are rich indeed as he ponders the secret mysteries of death, life, and love.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Mr. Christie's Book Award and the Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award

Owen Skye is skinny and quiet and has big ears. He does everything (just about) his older brother, Andy, says, while trying to stay one step ahead of little brother Leonard, who has now started school and is becoming smart at an alarming pace. The Skye brothers live in a small rural village with their parents and weird Uncle Lorne, an eccentric and painfully shy bachelor who sleeps on a cot in the basement, takes out his teeth at night and embodies Owen's worst fears about becoming a grownup.

On his way home from hockey practice one evening, Owen catches a glimpse of a girl named Sylvia at her piano lesson, and he falls hopelessly in love. Thank goodness for life at home, where there are brothers to talk to and plot adventures with. Yet the Skye boys somehow have a knack for turning every innocent plan into a full-scale ordeal.

Review Quotes

...a wonderful, goofball story...A great read and highly recommended.-- "Montreal Gazette"

...peopled by quirky characters portrayed with broad humour and a strong touch of nostalgia...-- "Quill & Quire"

...very funny...would be a splendid read-aloud or read-alone choice.-- "School Library Journal"

...[Cumyn's] pitch is perfect throughout...Highly recommended.-- "CM Magazine"

[an] elegantly written and very, very funny book.-- "Globe and Mail"

Every moment of this story is interesting: it's full of delight for adults and hilarity for children. Highly recommended.-- "Toronto Star"

This novel is peopled by quirky characters portrayed with broad humour and a strong touch of nostalgia.-- "Book Review Digest"

With a zany style and deep insight into the secret lives of boys. This book is very funny and it would be a splendid read-aloud or read-alone choice.-- "School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW"