BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780060530945
PLOT SUMMARY
Reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, The Graveyard Book begins with the mysterious murder of a family in Britain by an assassin named Jack leaving behind a baby boy who escapes by toddling out the front door and ends up in nearby graveyard. In the graveyard, Bod also called Nobody Owens because he looks like nobody but himself is raised by the inhabitants of the graveyard and by a caretaker named Silas who can travel through the world of the living and the dead. While growing up in the graveyard Bod learns history, geography, and literature from the ghosts and experiences a number of adventures and challenges that prepare him for his reuniting with the man named Jack.
CRITCAL ANALYSIS
Written by Neil Gaiman, this sinister and captivating tale is full of dark humor and adventure while still featuring strong albeit unconventional yet meaningful relationships between Bod and the members of the graveyard. “For Scarlett the chamber was once more swallowed by the darkness. But in the darkness, she could hear the twining sound again, getting louder and louder, as if something were circling the round room. Something said, WE ARE THE SLEER.” Gaiman's writing is magic and instantly pulls the reader into the intriguing world of Bod that is full of challenges and fantasy.
Illustrations provided by Dave McKean are interspersed throughout the novel often after at the end or beginning of a new chapter and sometimes take up three to four pages. McKean's illustrations are done in ebony black, dark gray, and muted white and set the tone for Gaiman's Gothic story.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “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. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages.”
BOOKMARKS MAGAZINE review “Neil Gaiman's fantasies have entranced both younger readers and adults; this Gothic fantasy, a coming-of-age story modeled after The Jungle Book and with slight nods to Harry Potter, will appeal to all ages. By juxtaposing the world of the dead with the world of the living, Gaiman creates a fantastical world where the thoughtful protagonist comes to understand the power of family as he experiences the fear, pains, confusions, and joys of growing up. Critics praised each illustrated chapter as its own little gem, with moments both tender and terrifying—and each equally exciting. The Graveyard Book is sure to become a book to last the ages.”
CONNECTIONS
Children intrigued by Gaiman's dark humor and sinister stories should try reading some of Neil Gaiman's other work.
Gaiman, Neil. NEVERWORLD: A NOVEL. ISBN 9780060557812
Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0061649708
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. ISBN 9780060530945
PLOT SUMMARY
Reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, The Graveyard Book begins with the mysterious murder of a family in Britain by an assassin named Jack leaving behind a baby boy who escapes by toddling out the front door and ends up in nearby graveyard. In the graveyard, Bod also called Nobody Owens because he looks like nobody but himself is raised by the inhabitants of the graveyard and by a caretaker named Silas who can travel through the world of the living and the dead. While growing up in the graveyard Bod learns history, geography, and literature from the ghosts and experiences a number of adventures and challenges that prepare him for his reuniting with the man named Jack.
CRITCAL ANALYSIS
Written by Neil Gaiman, this sinister and captivating tale is full of dark humor and adventure while still featuring strong albeit unconventional yet meaningful relationships between Bod and the members of the graveyard. “For Scarlett the chamber was once more swallowed by the darkness. But in the darkness, she could hear the twining sound again, getting louder and louder, as if something were circling the round room. Something said, WE ARE THE SLEER.” Gaiman's writing is magic and instantly pulls the reader into the intriguing world of Bod that is full of challenges and fantasy.
Illustrations provided by Dave McKean are interspersed throughout the novel often after at the end or beginning of a new chapter and sometimes take up three to four pages. McKean's illustrations are done in ebony black, dark gray, and muted white and set the tone for Gaiman's Gothic story.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
Starred review in BOOKLIST: “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. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages.”
BOOKMARKS MAGAZINE review “Neil Gaiman's fantasies have entranced both younger readers and adults; this Gothic fantasy, a coming-of-age story modeled after The Jungle Book and with slight nods to Harry Potter, will appeal to all ages. By juxtaposing the world of the dead with the world of the living, Gaiman creates a fantastical world where the thoughtful protagonist comes to understand the power of family as he experiences the fear, pains, confusions, and joys of growing up. Critics praised each illustrated chapter as its own little gem, with moments both tender and terrifying—and each equally exciting. The Graveyard Book is sure to become a book to last the ages.”
CONNECTIONS
Children intrigued by Gaiman's dark humor and sinister stories should try reading some of Neil Gaiman's other work.
Gaiman, Neil. NEVERWORLD: A NOVEL. ISBN 9780060557812
Gaiman, Neil. CORALINE. ISBN 0061649708
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