Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

Skandar and the Unicorn Thief displays two distinct family dynamics: the family of origin and the chosen family. Steadman uses Skandar’s two traditional family members—his sister and his father—to demonstrate the challenges and successes of both types of relationships. Furthermore, the value of these bonds plays a key role in Skandar’s success and coming-of-age story. Steadman starts in the early chapters by establishing the nuances of Skandar’s relationships with his family of origin, particularly his interactions with his sister, Kenna. He maintains a close relationship with Kenna, primarily because of their bonding over unicorn riding and their dependence on each other to persevere through their father’s depressive episodes. When Kenna fails the Hatchery exam, Skandar loses part of that vital connection, so when he has an opportunity to rekindle this bond, he is excited. As the narrative states, “Skandar’s heart was singing, even though Kenna was insisting Aspen and Frost wouldn’t win. She hadn’t talked about unicorns for so long he’d almost forgotten what it felt like” (5). This scene makes it clear that he craves a continued connection with his sister because even though they have a traditional family bond, she is also part of his chosen family.