1. Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard
Book. Ill by Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN
9780060530945
- Plot Summary
When still only a toddler, Nobody Owens
(Bod for short) escaped the murderous grasp of the frightening
villain, the man Jack. Taking pity on this helpless and now orphaned
child, the Graveyard takes Bod under its protection where he is
raised by Silas, the mysterious graveyard caretaker, and a doting
ghostly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Owens. As Bod grows up he seeks to find
out more about his past and find his place in the world. But, before
he can leave the safety of the Graveyard, he first must learn to
navigate the foreign world of the living and defeat the deadly
murderer, the man Jack.
- Critical Analysis
Gaiman opens his darkly humorous and touching tale
of a young man coming of age with the riveting opening line, “There
was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.” From this
compelling opening to the last line of the novel, Gaiman masterfully
guides readers through Bod Owens' unorthodox upbringing. Surrounded
by ghosts, ghouls, and caretakers who belong to neither the world of
living nor the dead, Bod grows up with everything a boy needs. His
ghostly parents give him love and guidance. Silas provides him with
food, clothing and advice. The Graveyard protects him from the ever
searching eye of the man Jack. And Bod finds friends and companions
among the various ghostly residents of the ancient cemetery. But, as
all children know, one cannot live forever under the protective
gaze of one's guardians. One day he must be brave enough to go out and
face his life and make his own adventures. That is exactly what Bod
sets out to do. Gaiman's unorthodox tale of growing up and letting
go will resonate with readers of all ages.
Dave McKean's illustrations are
sprinkled throughout the novel, highlighting key events in the story and
bringing the world of Bod's graveyard home to life. His slanting
lines and slightly distorted depictions of characters and events add to the sense of the
macabre that go with Bod living among the dead and dealing with demons
and ghouls as part of everyday life. They add to the wonderful atmosphere of Neil Gaiman's masterful writing.
- Awards and Review Excerpt(s)
*Newbery Award
*Carnegie Medal
*Hugo Award
*Locus Award
*ALA Notable Children's Book
*ALA Best Book for Young Adults
*Starred review in Kirkus:
“Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy. This needs to be read by anyone
who is or has ever been a child.”
*Starred review in Booklist:
“An utterly captivating tale…this is a rich story with broad
appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages. ”
*Starred review in KLIATT:
“Gaiman has a true gift for narrative and a delightfully light
touch, and there are humorous details along with spine-chilling ones.
YAs will race through this fine tale and enjoy every magical, creepy
moment.”
- Connections
*Bod Owens is told to stay away from
the edge of the graveyard where the less desirable ghosts are buried.
Wanting to understand these mysterious ghosts better, Bod find
himself befriending the witch buried at the edge of the graveyard,
Liza Hempstock. He recognizes her basic humanity and gains an
unshakable friend in the process. Relate Bod's experience to your own personal experience. Talk about a time when you may
have befriended someone who on the outside didn't look or act
according to social norms. What did you learn about that person?
What did you learn about yourself? If you haven't had this
experience, consider befriending someone outside of your normal comfort zone
and see what happens.
*While attending public school Bod must
learn to deal with bullies. Talk about Bod's solution to stop
bullying in his school. Did he handle the situation in the right
way? What would you do the same and what would you do differently?
Talk about bullying in your school. What can you do to stop any
bullying issues that might be happening around you?
*Other books by Neil Gaiman
Coraline. ISBN 0380807343
M is for Magic. ISBN
0061186473
Odd and the Frost Giants. ISBN
0061671738
Stardust. ISBN 0062200399
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