The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book

By: Neil Gaiman

Illustrations by: Dave McKean

HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2008

ISBN#: 9780060530921

“There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife” (Gaiman). When the man Jack was sent to kill a family, the toddler was the least of his worries. However, that child chose that night to climb out of his crib and wander… all the way to the town cemetery. He is then saved and adopted by the ghosts of the graveyard and named Nobody (Bod) Owens. The world of the living is not a safe place for Bod to be; his forays out of the graveyard end in disaster. The man Jack is still looking for him, hoping to prevent a prophecy from coming true. The Graveyard Book is an accounting of Nobody’s lessons and adventures, where he learns things about the living world and about the dead. Bod learns the traditional lessons of reading, writing and arithmetic but he also learns how to fade, create fear and other tricks given to him by the graveyard. Neil Gaiman roots his story in the world we all know and then introduces ghosts, ghouls, spirits and even a Hound of God. He weaves a complex tale of mystery and intrigue from the first line of the story. All of Bod’s interactions with various characters play an integral role in the climax of the story. Readers won’t be able to stop until they discover who the man Jack is and why Bod is so important.

This novel could inspire a discussion and/or essay answering the question: “If you could ask a ghost three questions, what would they be?” It could be used as an exercise in prediction. A teacher could have the students predict why Bod’s family was killed or how they think Bod will get out of this predicament. Before finishing the book, the class could debate whether or not Bod should go out into the world.

The Graveyard Book was given the 2009 Newbery Award.

Horn Book Magazine—“Gaiman delivers an enthralling concoction of suspense, adventure, and humor in a Gothic fairy tale that’s even more memorable as an audiobook” (Crawford).

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” (Koelling).

Works Cited

Crawford, Philip Charles. "The Graveyard Book." Horn Book Magazine 85.2 (2009): 218. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.

Koelling, Holly. "The Graveyard Book." Booklist 105.2 (2008): 54. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 1 Dec. 2010.