Gaiman, Neil. Ill. by Dave McKean. 2008. The
Graveyard Book. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN
|
9780061709128
|
(Photo obtained from Books in Print)
Plot Summary
Nobody Owens (affectionately referred to Bod) wandered
into a graveyard as a toddler after his entire family was murdered. Adopted by the paranormal entities that
inhabit the graveyard, The Graveyard Book
is Bod’s story of the adventures, trials and tribulations of being raised by
the undead.
Analysis
The Graveyard Book is a high Fantasy, ghost story in which you can’t help with identify
with Bod. Gaiman has created a character
that you feel for. The sense of
injustice that plagues Bod after losing his family is paramount – you want the
murderer known, identified and you want Bod safe. You can empathize with Bod’s curiosity of
the outside world. This is something
that will intrigue children and keep them engaged while McKean’s illustrations
add dimension to the story to bridge the gap between the paranormal and that
which the imagination cannot always construct.
As an adult reader, some of the
storyline did not contribute to plot development which made the story drag at
times but the imagery and adventure masks that deceleration for younger
readers. The overall “coming of age”
theme is reminiscent of contemporary fiction yet stitches together within a
fantastical murder-mystery. The
Graveyard Book is a suggested read for reluctant
male readers.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL – “Bod's love for his
graveyard family and vice versa provide the emotional center, amid suspense,
spot-on humor, and delightful scene-setting. The child Bod's behavior is
occasionally too precocious to be believed, and a series of puns on the name
Jack render the villain a bit less frightening than he should be, though only
momentarily.”
BOOKLIST – “There is plenty of darkness, but the novel's
ultimate message is strong and life affirming. Although marketed to the younger
YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for
teens of all ages.”
Awards, Mentions and/or Honors
2009 Winner – Newberry Medal
2009 Winner – Hugo Awards
2009 Winner – Indies’ Choice Book Award
2009 Winner – Locus Awards
2010 Winner – Bluegrass Award
2011 Winner – Garden State Teen Book Award
2008 Nomination – Los Angeles Times Book Prizes
2009 Nomination – Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s
Literature
2009 Winner – Audie Award
2009 Nomination – World Fantasy Awards
2009 Winner – Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award
2009 Nomination – Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards
2009 – ALA Notable Books for Children
2009 Nomination – Great Stone Face Children’s Book Award
2011 Nomination – Evergreen Young Adult Book Award
2010 Nomination – Kate Greenaway Medal
2010 Winner – Carnegie Medal
2011 Nomination – Reader’s Choice Award
2010 Nomination - Volunteer
State Book Award
2011 Nomination – Grand Canyon Reader Award
2012 Nomination – Nene Award
2013 Nomination – Golden Archer Award (Wisconsin)
Enrichment Activities
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Matched by Ally Condie
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