Paul Duggan, aged 11, lives in tiny, rural Darkfield on the borders of the beautiful and mysterious wetlands, known as the Callows. Strange planes are seen flying over the village, and a mining company starts buying up the land to turn it into an open-cast mine. Only old, eccentric Magpie O'Brien opposes the mining. Paul must find the courage to stand up to the school bullies and to this new threat to his way of life. Will the mine bring wealth and happiness, as the villagers hope -- or ruin and death?

 

This book was recognised in the Book of the Year - Eilis Dillon Memorial Award category by the Bisto Book Award.

There are 176 pages in this book. This book was published 2000 by O'Brien Press Ltd .

Patrick Deeley is a teacher and poet. He has three books of poems to his name from Dedalus Press, with a fourth due next year. He also runs a workshop in Ballyfermot, specialising in children's poetry. Originally from Loughrea, County Galway, he has spent more than half his life teaching in Dublin.