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The Ghost of Grania O'Malley
'Up there it's like you belong, like you're part of something that's been going on for thousands of years. It's special, real special, a living, breathing thing. You cut the top off Big Hill and you'd be killing it for sure.' There is gold in the Big Hill on Clare Island. It would make many of the islanders rich. But to claim it would mean destroying the hill for ever. Jessie Parsons and her American cousin, Jack, can't bear this to happen. The Big Hill is the heart of the island, special, beautiful, the perfect place. Can they save it before it's too late? Not on their own, maybe. But they have a secret ally...the ghost of Grania O'Malley.
213 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
22 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Michael Morpurgo
630 books3,021 followersSir Michael Andrew Morpurgo, OBE, FRSL is the author of many books for children, five of which have been made into films. He also writes his own screenplays and libretti for opera. Born in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 1943, he was evacuated to Cumberland during the last years of the Second World War, then returned to London, moving later to Essex. After a brief and unsuccessful spell in the army, he took up teaching and started to write. He left teaching after ten years in order to set up 'Farms for City Children' with his wife. They have three farms in Devon, Wales and Gloucestershire, open to inner city school children who come to stay and work with the animals. In 1999 this work was publicly recognised when he and his wife were invested a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to youth. In 2003, he was advanced to an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (FRSL) in 2004. He was knighted in the 2018 for his services to literature and charity. He is also a father and grandfather, so children have always played a large part in his life. Every year he and his family spend time in the Scilly Isles, the setting for three of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 12, 2020
A simple, yet wonderful children's book by the renowned writer. Palsy sufferer Jess and her American cousin have an amazing summer when they get caught up with trying to save the 'Big Hill' on Clare Island. A wonderful read taking me back to the stuff I read as a child in the 1970s! 8 out of 12.
May 23, 2015
Another great book by Michael Morpurgo, Kenzuki's Kingdom being the first as an 11 year old. Will definitely be reading more of his books in the future.
March 7, 2021
This book should absolutely be read by everyone, its message is just incredible!
Summary
Jessie is a ten-year-old girl with "lousy palsy", as she calls it, and an incredibly strong mind. When her islands beautiful landscape is threatened she refuses to stand by and let it happen. Along with her American cousin Jack who she quickly befriends and a few sea-loving pals who guide the pair through their struggles, she stands up for what she believes in and proves her strength.
What I Loved
This book was a heartwarming read. Yes, it's considered a "children's book" but please, let's stop saying "you're too old for this" and just enjoy the sweet, simple and important morals of such reads.
Anyway, back on track.
The characters in this book were presented so beautifully and I loved the representation used. Moreover, the bond between Jack and Jessie absolutely melted my heart and the ending definitely brought a tear to my eye. On top of all this.. pirates!! Now, who wouldn't love a story with Irish pirates!
What I Loved Less
I have very little to say for this other than overall the story was rather predictable, however, saying this some very unpredictable moments definitely made me gasp audibly.
Overall
Such a gorgeous story that I wished I'd read when I was younger as it definitely would have taught me a thing or two about using your inner strength. A super quick and easy read that I promise you, is worth it!
5/5 Stars!
Summary
Jessie is a ten-year-old girl with "lousy palsy", as she calls it, and an incredibly strong mind. When her islands beautiful landscape is threatened she refuses to stand by and let it happen. Along with her American cousin Jack who she quickly befriends and a few sea-loving pals who guide the pair through their struggles, she stands up for what she believes in and proves her strength.
What I Loved
This book was a heartwarming read. Yes, it's considered a "children's book" but please, let's stop saying "you're too old for this" and just enjoy the sweet, simple and important morals of such reads.
Anyway, back on track.
The characters in this book were presented so beautifully and I loved the representation used. Moreover, the bond between Jack and Jessie absolutely melted my heart and the ending definitely brought a tear to my eye. On top of all this.. pirates!! Now, who wouldn't love a story with Irish pirates!
What I Loved Less
I have very little to say for this other than overall the story was rather predictable, however, saying this some very unpredictable moments definitely made me gasp audibly.
Overall
Such a gorgeous story that I wished I'd read when I was younger as it definitely would have taught me a thing or two about using your inner strength. A super quick and easy read that I promise you, is worth it!
5/5 Stars!
April 25, 2013
After I finished Les Misérables, I wanted something lighter to read. I found out my Gran had this book so I looked no further and when I went to visit her, she lent it to me.
This book was recommended to me by a friend of mine. Until reading this book I had never heard of Grania O'Malley or Granuaille or "The Pirate Queen". My friend seemed very very keen in the subject, so I wanted to find out more. So I found out about this book because she'd already read it. I decided to give it a go.
What a great decision it was! For one thing upon looking at the cover for the first time, I felt a sense of curiosity. It's such a lovely cover (by Lee Gibbons) and a lot better than the previous cover I'd seen on it in a shop.
Michael Morpurgo has been a favourite author of mine for many years (I've also had the joy of meeting him) and this book did not disappoint! Again Morpurgo has managed to take history, and write a lovely children's story around a subject that a lot of people would know nothing about unless they picked up the history books.
The story centers around a girl called Jessie, who has a condition called cerebral palsy (I know a little bit about it having known someone with the condition myself) which makes the legs very sore and harder to walk. Jessie is determined to climb to the top of the big hill on Clare Island (a real island I might add) and it takes her a few tries but she gets there. In my opinion Morpurgo has not only created a loveable main character of his story, he has also created a role model for those with the condition by showing Jessie's determination to climb to the top and also by having Jessie calling it "lousy palsy" it shows that she doesn't care about her condition, and she won't let it get in her way.
One of Jessie's hobbies is collecting skulls, and one day she happens upon a human skull (which we later find out is Granuaille's own skull) and then takes care of it by sitting it in an niche in the wall and nicknaming it "smiley" because of the way the teeth smiled at her. She is then advised to bury it again which she reluctantly does. Later on she climbs to the top of the big hill and has her first encounter with the Ghost of Grania O'Malley who tends to her after she has a nasty fall.
Morpurgo has turned Grania O'Malley from someone whom I'd never even heard about, to someone whom I would want to have met myself. Call her a pirate all you like. She's incredible!
Jessie's cousin Jack joins her on the island from Long Island in America and in school which Jack attends with Jessie, it turns into a comparison between Long Island in the states and Clare Island in Ireland. This in turn leads to all the classmates learning the basics of baseball. It's wonderful how all the kids take a liking to Jack as soon as he arrives on the island, and he was a really great character to read about as well.
The Big Hill is set to be dug up to get gold and to create jobs, so it turns into a story about the campaign to save the hill, with the help of Grace O'Malley and her crew.
Once again Morpurgo has incorporated animals into this book (the most prominent ones being a sheepdog called Panda and a donkey called Mole) and once again they do have a significant role. I love how morpurgo gives animals character in his books. It makes the reading much more interesting.
In short, I thought this was a wonderful book which opened my eyes to the historic Granuaille O'Malley, and I absolutely loved it. Another triumph from Morpurgo, who never fails to disappoint! I wish I'd read this as a child because these are meant for children.
I'd also like to add, upon reaching the halfway point in this book, I thought about what a brilliant movie adaptation this would make. (after the very successful War Horse, which I've yet to read and watch) Upon reading into the last few pages it suggested that just that very thing would happen and would be filmed on the island itself. In my eye this would be wonderful, and the fact the book hinted on it itself, kinda makes me wish I was a film director, because it's one I'd love to see made into a movie. And wouldn't it be nice to have the movie end like the book does? on a high where everyone's expecting them to come and make a movie on the island about the events that happened in it. Because then the movie would seem even more special and would, if anything else, open up Clare Island to even more tourism!
Overall I loved it, loved it, loved it! I'd recommend to anyone (including those older teenagers/adults out there like I am) because no matter how old you are, this book is a very gripping and loveable read that will touch the hearts of many.
"You don't know what you can do until you try."
PS - I'd also like to take a quick moment to thank my friend who recommended it to me, without whom I would not have discovered it/read it.
This book was recommended to me by a friend of mine. Until reading this book I had never heard of Grania O'Malley or Granuaille or "The Pirate Queen". My friend seemed very very keen in the subject, so I wanted to find out more. So I found out about this book because she'd already read it. I decided to give it a go.
What a great decision it was! For one thing upon looking at the cover for the first time, I felt a sense of curiosity. It's such a lovely cover (by Lee Gibbons) and a lot better than the previous cover I'd seen on it in a shop.
Michael Morpurgo has been a favourite author of mine for many years (I've also had the joy of meeting him) and this book did not disappoint! Again Morpurgo has managed to take history, and write a lovely children's story around a subject that a lot of people would know nothing about unless they picked up the history books.
The story centers around a girl called Jessie, who has a condition called cerebral palsy (I know a little bit about it having known someone with the condition myself) which makes the legs very sore and harder to walk. Jessie is determined to climb to the top of the big hill on Clare Island (a real island I might add) and it takes her a few tries but she gets there. In my opinion Morpurgo has not only created a loveable main character of his story, he has also created a role model for those with the condition by showing Jessie's determination to climb to the top and also by having Jessie calling it "lousy palsy" it shows that she doesn't care about her condition, and she won't let it get in her way.
One of Jessie's hobbies is collecting skulls, and one day she happens upon a human skull (which we later find out is Granuaille's own skull) and then takes care of it by sitting it in an niche in the wall and nicknaming it "smiley" because of the way the teeth smiled at her. She is then advised to bury it again which she reluctantly does. Later on she climbs to the top of the big hill and has her first encounter with the Ghost of Grania O'Malley who tends to her after she has a nasty fall.
Morpurgo has turned Grania O'Malley from someone whom I'd never even heard about, to someone whom I would want to have met myself. Call her a pirate all you like. She's incredible!
Jessie's cousin Jack joins her on the island from Long Island in America and in school which Jack attends with Jessie, it turns into a comparison between Long Island in the states and Clare Island in Ireland. This in turn leads to all the classmates learning the basics of baseball. It's wonderful how all the kids take a liking to Jack as soon as he arrives on the island, and he was a really great character to read about as well.
The Big Hill is set to be dug up to get gold and to create jobs, so it turns into a story about the campaign to save the hill, with the help of Grace O'Malley and her crew.
Once again Morpurgo has incorporated animals into this book (the most prominent ones being a sheepdog called Panda and a donkey called Mole) and once again they do have a significant role. I love how morpurgo gives animals character in his books. It makes the reading much more interesting.
In short, I thought this was a wonderful book which opened my eyes to the historic Granuaille O'Malley, and I absolutely loved it. Another triumph from Morpurgo, who never fails to disappoint! I wish I'd read this as a child because these are meant for children.
I'd also like to add, upon reaching the halfway point in this book, I thought about what a brilliant movie adaptation this would make. (after the very successful War Horse, which I've yet to read and watch) Upon reading into the last few pages it suggested that just that very thing would happen and would be filmed on the island itself. In my eye this would be wonderful, and the fact the book hinted on it itself, kinda makes me wish I was a film director, because it's one I'd love to see made into a movie. And wouldn't it be nice to have the movie end like the book does? on a high where everyone's expecting them to come and make a movie on the island about the events that happened in it. Because then the movie would seem even more special and would, if anything else, open up Clare Island to even more tourism!
Overall I loved it, loved it, loved it! I'd recommend to anyone (including those older teenagers/adults out there like I am) because no matter how old you are, this book is a very gripping and loveable read that will touch the hearts of many.
"You don't know what you can do until you try."
PS - I'd also like to take a quick moment to thank my friend who recommended it to me, without whom I would not have discovered it/read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2015
I've read a lot of Mr Morpurgo's children's books - my favourite being Private Peaceful - and I picked this up because it was about a bunch of ghost pirates, and am Irish family, trying to save a sacred hill from being demolished by local developers hungry for gold.
It's an interesting and fun idea (for the younger readers not so much teens) and was a little different because the main character, Jessie, was a girl suffering from cerebal palsy.
However, the writing was somewhat "automatic pilot" and quite dull in places, so it was quite a struggle to get through. Some of Morpurgo's phrasing is very naieve and old-fashioned and the story could do with updating, I think. Also, ironically, even though part of the story is based on an actual pirate queen, much of it was not believable at all.
It would have got 2 stars from me, but then the ending came along (with some fun pirate action) and saved the day so it got 3 stars. It's a good book, but not Morpurgo's best.
It's an interesting and fun idea (for the younger readers not so much teens) and was a little different because the main character, Jessie, was a girl suffering from cerebal palsy.
However, the writing was somewhat "automatic pilot" and quite dull in places, so it was quite a struggle to get through. Some of Morpurgo's phrasing is very naieve and old-fashioned and the story could do with updating, I think. Also, ironically, even though part of the story is based on an actual pirate queen, much of it was not believable at all.
It would have got 2 stars from me, but then the ending came along (with some fun pirate action) and saved the day so it got 3 stars. It's a good book, but not Morpurgo's best.
October 8, 2023
Was gifted this book as a young child who loved reading and DNF as it was too advanced for my age. It sat on my shelf for years, and I finally braved it at the grand age of 24.
I am a huge fan of Michael Morpurgo. I have re read many of his books as an adult, and therefore, I am sad to admit that 'The Ghost of Grania O'Malley' is my least favourite.
I have pinned my 2* rating down to the fact that I have grown up surrounded by Irish culture, humour, and have knowledge of its complex history. I find that when English authors write about Ireland, the story is always white washed, and sadly, 'The Ghost of Grania O'Malley' is no exception.
Sorry Michael!
I am a huge fan of Michael Morpurgo. I have re read many of his books as an adult, and therefore, I am sad to admit that 'The Ghost of Grania O'Malley' is my least favourite.
I have pinned my 2* rating down to the fact that I have grown up surrounded by Irish culture, humour, and have knowledge of its complex history. I find that when English authors write about Ireland, the story is always white washed, and sadly, 'The Ghost of Grania O'Malley' is no exception.
Sorry Michael!
April 9, 2021
Procrastinated reading this for a long time, but reading it was quite an experience
May 14, 2023
This was a massive part of my childhood 💗 A gorgeous story
September 17, 2018
Felt engaged, and thoroughly enjoyable, loved the theme of togetherness at the end and fighting away the evil, Also loved how everyone's attitudes changed from beginning to end.
May 6, 2013
Michael Morpurgo is such a brilliant story teller but he doesn't just entertain very often he educates too. Very often I feel I have learnt something and this book was no exception. Wonderful stuff.
May 27, 2020
Have not finished the book but it is ok and just to say the begin drags on .😁😁👍
February 26, 2023
The Ghost of Grania O’Malley is part historical fiction, part magical realism, part children’s adventure about good overcoming bad.
It tells the story of Jess, a young girl with cerebral palsy, who lives on an island off the coast of Ireland. The island has been divided over the Big Hill issue - whether to preserve a natural beauty, or to destroy it for the sake of modernisation and money. Jess is determined that they’ll never tear down her beloved hill, but she needs to find a way to prove its necessity…
And that’s where Grania O’Malley comes in. Or rather her ghost. Based upon a real historical figure, Morpurgo is at pains to tell her story accurately and to provide a voice where it’s not often given. Both as a person and a ghost, Grania has been undermined at every turn, but has always overcome her problems in the end. And Big Hill is no different.
I found the inclusion of a real historical figure incredibly interesting, especially as she’s a figure not discussed or taught in schools. I think it placed a real emphasis on the important of female figures, and this story is full of them at its heart. It also teaches not to be dismissive, in Grania’s case of gender, and for Jess, that is intersected with disability. I think the representation in this book is wonderful, and children with disabilities deserve to see themselves represented as heroes, just like other children are. What I found frustrating was that Morpurgo almost uses Jess’ disability as a plot point, as something that antagonists can use against her. Whether this be childhood bullies (much more believable), the author wants us to believe that her teacher is so passive aggressive and obviously singled out Jess and discriminates very publicly against her. Quite how her parents neither know nor care I’ll never know. And this really ruined the book for me. Jess shouldn’t be a hero in this book because of her disability, she’s a hero because she stands up for her community and the values she believes in. The representation is great, but sometimes it feels almost lazy to reduce it to a plot point, hence the two star review.
This book is definitely aimed at younger children, and doesn’t have universal appeal to adult readers, which definitely lessened my enjoyment of it. It’s also fairly slow paced for a children’s book, and whilst I enjoyed the ending, it’s definitely not one of my favourites and will get lovingly passed on to someone else.
It tells the story of Jess, a young girl with cerebral palsy, who lives on an island off the coast of Ireland. The island has been divided over the Big Hill issue - whether to preserve a natural beauty, or to destroy it for the sake of modernisation and money. Jess is determined that they’ll never tear down her beloved hill, but she needs to find a way to prove its necessity…
And that’s where Grania O’Malley comes in. Or rather her ghost. Based upon a real historical figure, Morpurgo is at pains to tell her story accurately and to provide a voice where it’s not often given. Both as a person and a ghost, Grania has been undermined at every turn, but has always overcome her problems in the end. And Big Hill is no different.
I found the inclusion of a real historical figure incredibly interesting, especially as she’s a figure not discussed or taught in schools. I think it placed a real emphasis on the important of female figures, and this story is full of them at its heart. It also teaches not to be dismissive, in Grania’s case of gender, and for Jess, that is intersected with disability. I think the representation in this book is wonderful, and children with disabilities deserve to see themselves represented as heroes, just like other children are. What I found frustrating was that Morpurgo almost uses Jess’ disability as a plot point, as something that antagonists can use against her. Whether this be childhood bullies (much more believable), the author wants us to believe that her teacher is so passive aggressive and obviously singled out Jess and discriminates very publicly against her. Quite how her parents neither know nor care I’ll never know. And this really ruined the book for me. Jess shouldn’t be a hero in this book because of her disability, she’s a hero because she stands up for her community and the values she believes in. The representation is great, but sometimes it feels almost lazy to reduce it to a plot point, hence the two star review.
This book is definitely aimed at younger children, and doesn’t have universal appeal to adult readers, which definitely lessened my enjoyment of it. It’s also fairly slow paced for a children’s book, and whilst I enjoyed the ending, it’s definitely not one of my favourites and will get lovingly passed on to someone else.
July 14, 2022
This may be one of Michael Morpugo’s lesser known children’s books but it is well worth the time it takes to read it. The author vividly describes Jessie with her “lousy palsy” and her determination not to be defined by it - or beaten when it comes to climbing Big Hill and preventing this precious island landmark being mined. Her American cousin, Jack, quickly becomes her ally when they climb the hill together and encounter the ghost of the title, the pirate, Grania O’Malley - along with her ship’s crew - who are equally determined the hill should be saved.
January 10, 2025
I’ve always enjoyed reading books written by Michael Morpurgo. I haven’t read this book before but now I have and I’m glad, it’s a good read.
The setting being on an island that was off the coast of Ireland as well as the plot and description were all amazing and brought the story to life. I also loved that the main character has cerebral palsy as I feel not enough books have characters with disabilities, would like to see more characters like this. The theme of working together and not to let others pull you down is shown throughout the novel.
The setting being on an island that was off the coast of Ireland as well as the plot and description were all amazing and brought the story to life. I also loved that the main character has cerebral palsy as I feel not enough books have characters with disabilities, would like to see more characters like this. The theme of working together and not to let others pull you down is shown throughout the novel.
February 13, 2023
Cute book, with some really great characters. I really appreciate that the main character, Jessie, was disabled. While I felt there was some insensitivity about Grania O'Malley and her 'owning' America and allowing the British to invade it despite the Native Americans already living there, it wasn't too distracting from the story about saving the Big Hill, which was very wholesome and enjoyable to read.
May 13, 2023
CAWPILE 6.29 3.5 stars
A charming ghost story set in modern Ireland where our MC Jessie is dealing with life with Cerebral Palsy. When her American cousin comes to stay while his Dad is ill and there is a threat to Big Hill- a famous local landmark an adventure begins.
I really enjoyed this- also lovely to see a childrens book with a disabled main character, it was really well written and I really enjoyed the banter that Grania had with her pirate ghosts!
A charming ghost story set in modern Ireland where our MC Jessie is dealing with life with Cerebral Palsy. When her American cousin comes to stay while his Dad is ill and there is a threat to Big Hill- a famous local landmark an adventure begins.
I really enjoyed this- also lovely to see a childrens book with a disabled main character, it was really well written and I really enjoyed the banter that Grania had with her pirate ghosts!
February 21, 2024
I have bought my granddaughter aged 10, a set of books by Michael Morpurgo. Looking through the set I picked up this book and opened it at the first page.......and kept going. Read in a day and absolutely loved it.
Children's book - wish they would make a film out the story.
Now where is the rest of the set?😉
Children's book - wish they would make a film out the story.
Now where is the rest of the set?😉
April 1, 2023
This is not great literature but it is a good story and as someone who believes in genetic memory and loves a good ghost story, this was a fun read for me. I am also intrigued about Grania O'Malley and may have to do some more research into this pirate queen!
April 10, 2023
Lovely mysterious story from start to finish. The friendshio between Jessie and Jack is everything and community feel and coming together eventually eventually protect their island with a little ghostly help makes for a fabulous read
December 13, 2023
Morpurgo's talent for understanding and relating a personal situation on show here. Irish readers will recognise his ability to get it 95% right, and even though they'll slightly itch at the other 5%, it will not ruin the book, which is a good yarn.
July 4, 2017
Though the story starts with slow pace takes its pace after few pages. The master story teller with new story-line using ghosts and pirates makes one enjoy the story.
May 23, 2018
I really enjoyed the historical side to this book - just a pleasant read, overall
October 15, 2018
Adventure, battles against physical and emotional difficulties, gold, pirates, ghosts, beautiful Irish landscape all add up to an entertaining read but it is not in the same league as War Horse.
September 9, 2020
I enjoyed this. An engaging story with good characters. Good to be inside the head of a child with a handicap. I was really cheering for her. Glad to see relationships build and grow. Fun!
May 12, 2021
Lovely Book
March 5, 2022
A very good read,despite being a children's book. My granddaughter lent it to me as she thought I'd enjoy it and I did.
May 1, 2024
Child me thought this was not slay
May 16, 2024
Was a great little book enjoyed this quite a lot, but like normal, it's a michael morpurgo he always writes fantastic books
April 21, 2025
4.8 stars
November 19, 2025
Another nice story by Michael Morpurgo.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews