THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman, Ill. by Dave McKean

Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. 2008. The Graveyard Book. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York: HarperCollins e-books. ISBN 9780061709395

Plot Summary
A mysterious stranger called Jack murders the family of Bod Owens: mother, father, and older sister. Bod, a toddler at the time, escapes to the graveyard nearby due to his crib climbing skills. Mr. and Mrs. Owens, a ghost couple, adopts Bod as their own and cares for Bod along with the other ghosts of the graveyard and Silas, Bod’s guardian who is neither living nor dead. This graveyard family keeps Bod safe and sound from the killer Jack, who lurks beyond the graveyard. As Bod grows up, he learns supernatural powers, which he finds quite useful in his adventures. However, Bod yearns for a connection with other humans. His curiosity and bravery help him find the answer as to why Jack hunts him and killed his family as well as gain him independence outside of the graveyard.

Critical Analysis
Gaiman opens the story with the gruesome death of Bod’s entire family, which causes readers to immediately connect with Bod and his safety (no one wants an innocent babe to die at the hands of a ruthless murderer). The death of Bod’s family and his survival drives the plot of the story and keeps readers wondering why would someone want to kill an entire family and even children, for that matter. Who is this mysterious killer? These are all questions in which the answers are not automatically revealed. Bod is faced with the obstacle of staying alive throughout his journey to adulthood. This becomes more and more difficult the older Bod becomes. All of this mystery, sadness, and excitement revolve around the simple theme that good is more powerful than evil and love can serve to protect.

Most of the story takes place in the graveyard, Bod’s home. This place is crucial to the turn of events within the story, especially the climactic ending. Dave McKean’s illustrations add to the otherworldly feel of the novel by capturing the smoky and misty look of the ghosts as well as the eeriness of the graveyard. McKean’s illustrations serve as a reminder that Bod’s home is not as warm and cozy as Bod feels it is.

I am a fan of Neil Gaiman, and this is the first time I have read one of his fictional novels for children. Just like with his adult novels, Gaiman has a talent for plunging readers into fantastical worlds that are not too far fetched from our own. Although the story is adventurous and scary at times, Gaiman has a wonderful sarcastic sense of humor. In this novel, Bod likes to read the markings on the graves. This is where Gaiman’s humor shines. Miss Letitia Borrows, a spinster, has a grave that reads “Who Did No Harm to No Man all the Dais of Her Life. Reader, Can You Say Lykewise?” 

Awards Won & Review Excerpts

• Carnegie Medal, 2010

• Cybil Award, 2008

• John Newbery Medal, 2009

• Booklist: "This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters."

• Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices: "A dramatic climax will likely catch readers off guard, but it provides a satisfying conclusion to an exceptional story."

• Kirkus Reviews: "Episodic chapters tell miniature gems of stories (one has been nominated for a Locus Award) tracing Bod's growth from a spoiled boy who runs away with the ghouls to a young man for whom the metaphor of setting out into the world becomes achingly real."

• The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: "While readers firmly entrenched in the real world may question such issues as sleeping arrangements and eating (both addressed briefly but not lingered upon), most will be so swept up in the romantic tragedy and potential of young Bod’s life that they will not spare a moment questioning how a child could actually live out an entire childhood unnoticed in an active graveyard. It is to Gaiman’s credit that many of his readers will wish their own childhoods had played out in the same location."

Connections

• The Graveyard Book is rich with interesting dialogue. Try creating a readers theater script on a portion of the novel that interests you the most that can be shared and acted out.

• This book is also available as an unabridged audiobook. Try listening to it and discuss various experiences with reading the book compared to listening to it.

• Other works by Neil Gaiman with illustrations by Dave McKean:

          MirrorMask. ISBN 0747581118
          Coraline. ISBN 0380977788
          The Wolves in the Walls. ISBN 038097827X