Bibliography
Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins.
307 pages
Plot
After escaping a murderer’s grasp, a young infant crawls into a graveyard to seek refuge. Jack, the murderer, has just killed the infant’s family, and plans on finishing the job. However, before he can do so, the young child is adopted by Mistress and Master Owens, and the safety of the boy is now in the graveyard’s care. The young boy, named Nobody Owens, or Bod, lives a quiet life in the graveyard. Mentored by the spirits, he begins to understand the world of the dead. His growth is chronicled in the story, until we meet Nob again as a young adult. He is now a student under his nocturnal guardian, Silas, but danger still lurks as Jack wants to finish the deed.
Review
As always, Neil Gaiman delivers, this time in his Newbery Award Winning novel, The Graveyard Book. A moving coming of age story, The Graveyard Book does not shy away from Gaiman’s interesting style. He leaves his mark with gritty detail and interesting characters allowing readers the ability to connect with Nob. However, it is Gaiman’s writing style that makes the plot feel fresh and original. Nob’s characterization, actions, and even voice do feel like a person who was raised in a graveyard. While Jack’s character is somewhat violent and graphic, Gaiman creates a character that is so driven by evil; his motivations help to explain his actions. Children and adults alike will enjoy this book.
Genre
Horror
Reading Level/Interest Level
This novel would appeal to readers in grades 6th – 8th.
Similar Content
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Personal thoughts
I love Neil Gaiman, and this one does not disappoint.
Subjects/themes
Death
The Afterlife
Coming of Age
Self-Awareness
Family
Awards
Newbery Award Winner
Hugo Award Winner
Series information
No known Sequel
Character names/descriptions
Nobody “Bod” Owens: A boy adopted by a graveyard on the night of his parent’s murder.
Mr. and Mrs. Owens: Nobody’s adopted parents
Jack: The man who murdered Nobody’s parents and who wishes to finish the job.
Silas: Nobody’s mentor.
Annotation
Could you imagine being raised in a graveyard?
Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins.
307 pages
Plot
After escaping a murderer’s grasp, a young infant crawls into a graveyard to seek refuge. Jack, the murderer, has just killed the infant’s family, and plans on finishing the job. However, before he can do so, the young child is adopted by Mistress and Master Owens, and the safety of the boy is now in the graveyard’s care. The young boy, named Nobody Owens, or Bod, lives a quiet life in the graveyard. Mentored by the spirits, he begins to understand the world of the dead. His growth is chronicled in the story, until we meet Nob again as a young adult. He is now a student under his nocturnal guardian, Silas, but danger still lurks as Jack wants to finish the deed.
Review
As always, Neil Gaiman delivers, this time in his Newbery Award Winning novel, The Graveyard Book. A moving coming of age story, The Graveyard Book does not shy away from Gaiman’s interesting style. He leaves his mark with gritty detail and interesting characters allowing readers the ability to connect with Nob. However, it is Gaiman’s writing style that makes the plot feel fresh and original. Nob’s characterization, actions, and even voice do feel like a person who was raised in a graveyard. While Jack’s character is somewhat violent and graphic, Gaiman creates a character that is so driven by evil; his motivations help to explain his actions. Children and adults alike will enjoy this book.
Genre
Horror
Reading Level/Interest Level
This novel would appeal to readers in grades 6th – 8th.
Similar Content
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Personal thoughts
I love Neil Gaiman, and this one does not disappoint.
Subjects/themes
Death
The Afterlife
Coming of Age
Self-Awareness
Family
Awards
Newbery Award Winner
Hugo Award Winner
Series information
No known Sequel
Character names/descriptions
Nobody “Bod” Owens: A boy adopted by a graveyard on the night of his parent’s murder.
Mr. and Mrs. Owens: Nobody’s adopted parents
Jack: The man who murdered Nobody’s parents and who wishes to finish the job.
Silas: Nobody’s mentor.
Annotation
Could you imagine being raised in a graveyard?
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