BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Illus. Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins, 2008.ISBN 0060530928.
PLOT SUMMARY
This is a fantastic story about a family that is murdered by a man named Jack. The family’s toddler escapes to the graveyard where ghosts argue if they can raise a baby. He is then adopted by a dead couple, Mr. And Mrs. Owens. He is named "Bod" (short for Nobody) because of nobody knowing his name. His ghost parents tell him that if he leaves the grave yard they cannot protect him. His adventures take him in and out of the graveyard but grows up within the graveyard as he learns to read, write and how to behave. This is a story about Good vs. Evil. We see ghosts as the good guys where they typically have a reputation of bad behavior. On the other hand the bad guys are Jack and Maureen Quilling who in this case are the bad guys. A great twist to a conventional story of ghosts, ghouls and werewolves. It makes me think if Maureen is just mean and not evil!? Even though most of the ghosts are identified, Silas(Bod's guardian) has a mystery and secrecy that children love and can possibly relate to. Silas isn't dead or alive. While thinking of Silas I can’t help but recall the book ,” Interview with a Vampire”. When it is revealed through hints such as:”Something huge was flying through the air […] something bigger and darker than the biggest bird. Something man-size that flickered and fluttered as it moved, like the strobing flight of a bat.” (6.268) that he is a vampire. Great clues for children to guess as it is an attention grabber. One theme of this novel that can help children relate to is about working and studying hard for all the necessities of life. As this story progresses Bod grows and loses his freedom of the graveyard with big dreams. The ending of this great novel leaves you wanting more.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Gaiman’s descriptive and imaginative world was wonderful. It encompasses a world of mystery and creepiness. Kids will love this novel as they get lost in a world of wonderful characters in incredible adventures with lots of mystery. The language is very simple to understand and yet could be scary for the young reader. Through the illustrations Gaiman paints a picture in my mind. There are several themes established in this story. One is about community, "It takes a village to raise a child" and indeed we have a graveyard raising Bod and they learn about compassion and forgiveness through raising him. It makes me think if it is possible to forgive someone who has murdered your family and wants to murder you? These are issues that can be discussed in a book talk session with children( Out of the mouth of babes). After reading this book it shows that graveyards don’t always hide evil ghosts but friendly ones. This novel is also available in audio book.
AWARDS and REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
* 2009 Newberry Medal and the 2009 Hugo Award.
*2009 Locus Poll Award
*2010 Carnegie Medal
“Gaiman writes with charm and humor, and again he has a real winner.”
— Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)
* “The Graveyard Book confirms what I’ve always thought: Neil Gaiman is a literary genius!”
— James Herbert, author of The Secret of Crickley Hall
CONNECTIONS
*Book talking about their favorite part of the story.
*Discussion about forgiveness and “what would you do...?”
*Write a sequel with a buddy and display.
