The Graveyard Book

Bibliography

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Ill. Dave McKean. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers, 2008.  ISBN 978006053092.

Plot Summary

When 1 ½ year old Bod’s family is brutally murdered, he somehow manages to escape and find refuge in a graveyard. At first the ghosts are unsure what to do with the baby, but eventually decide that Mr. and Mrs. Owens will act as his mom and dad. Silas is named his guardian and charged with ensuring he has food and clothing. Although Bod is safe in the graveyard, danger awaits him when he leaves. Jack, the man that murdered his family, is still searching for Bod so that he can finish the job. As Bod grows up, he finds many adventures both in and out of the graveyard. In the end, he is able to conquer Jack and secure safety for himself. He sets out to make a life for himself beyond the graveyard.

Critical Analysis

The reader is able to watch Bod grow throughout the book. You watch him make mistakes and develop an understanding for this unusual boy that lives in a graveyard. Growing up without human interaction, you can understand his awkwardness when he goes to school.

The author does an excellent job at showing the personality of the graveyard residents. The residents are likeable and have interesting backstories that explain how they ended up in the graveyard.

The black and gray toned illustrations help set the spooky mood for the graveyard. I feel that the ominous first page does an excellent job setting the tone for this novel.  “There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.” With so few words, the author has already captured your attention and has you eager to learn more.  

Awards

2009 Newbery Medal

2009 Hugo Award

Review Excerpts

Horn Book:  “Lucid, evocative prose and dark fairy-tale motifs imbue the story with a dreamlike quality. …this ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age-novel as readable as it is accomplished.”

Booklist starred review: “This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming….this is a rich story with broad appeal.”

Connections

*Have students read and practice writing epitaphs.

*Other books written by Neil Gaiman:

·         Gaiman, Neil. Coraline. ISBN 0380807343

Gaiman, Neil. Fortunately, the Milk. ISBN 0062224085