Book
Review- The Graveyard Book by Neil
Gaiman
a.
Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. New York, New York:
HarperCollins. ISBN 9780060530945
b.
Plot
Summary
The
Graveyard Book opens with a grisly triple murder. It
was supposed to be a murder of four, but the fourth family member, a young
toddler, wanders away towards a cemetery before Jack the murderer has a chance
to finish the job. In the cemetery, the toddler encounters the Owens’- an older
couple with no children that happen to be ghosts. With the tot’s family no
longer alive, the Owens’ take it upon themselves to adopt the boy. All the denizens
of the graveyard help raise Bod, short for Nobody because “he looks like nobody
but himself.” There are plenty of adventures to be had in the graveyard, but
Bod cannot ever leave because Jack the murderer is still on the hunt for him.
c.
Critical
Analysis
Gaiman does a fine job
blending frightening and friendly in one fantasy novel. Although the story
begins with quite a terrifying entrance, the text quickly moves into a more
child-friendly plot. Bod has a pretty normal upbringing- he learns to read and
write, makes friends, and gets into trouble. Through rich language and attention
to detail, Gaiman brings the supernatural characters to life. Each character
has a distinct voice throughout the novel. The only downside of the text might
be that Bod may be too mature and precocious for the average reader to relate
to.
d.
Review
Excerpts
·
Newbery Medal Winner
·
Starred review from Kirkus “Wistful, witty, wise-and creepy. This needs to be read by
anyone who is or has ever been a child.”
e.
Connections
·
As a visualizing exercise, the teacher
can have the students illustrate various scenes throughout the book. The
student can add details to their illustration after rereading the scenes aloud
to a partner.
·
Author study of other Neil Gaimain’s
fantasy books:
o
Coraline
ISBN 9780061660160
o
Odd
and the Frost Giants ISBN 0061671738
o
M
Is for Magic ISBN 9780061186424
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