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The Graveyard Book
- By Neil Gaiman
- Genre: Horror
Common Sense Media says
Creepy AND warmhearted -- Gaiman's best yet.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is mildly creepy with a bit of violence, suspense, and threat, including a man who murders a family and tries to murder a toddler and a teen boy and girl.
What's the story?
On the night Jack murders a family in their beds, their toddler runs out into
the night, pursued by the murderer, and finds his way into a cemetery. The
ghosts there chase away the murderer and, after much argument, decide to raise
the boy. They name him Nobody, Bod for short. As long as Bod stays in the
cemetery they can protect him from Jack, who is still searching for him. But a
growing boy, even one who is granted the Freedom of the Graveyard, eventually
needs contact with the living world -- and it is the world of the living that
holds the most danger for Bod.
Is it any good?
It may seem odd to say it, but this is a lovely book. Suspenseful, yes, and a bit creepy, but lovely nonetheless. Author Neil Gaiman has learned a thing or two since his entry into children's books. His acclaimed first novel, Coraline was clever and technically proficient, but lacked heart, as did Stardust. This one has it in spades, and in the strangest places.
Gaiman begins with one of the great opening sentences ("There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife"), and quickly introduces a very relatable protagonist, a boy who grows from 18 months to 15 or so years, increasing his power and confidence but retaining the innocence of one who doesn't know the world. He gives him touching relationships with his ghostly parents and vampiric guardian, and though he has some scary adventures with ghouls and snake-like tomb guards, the graveyard world is never nearly as frightening as that of the living, especially to a boy who has been raised there. By adding a bit of heart and soul to his already brilliant writing, Gaiman has raised his game considerably.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about this book and The Jungle Books, which the author says influenced him. What are the similarities in plot and style? How are they different? Do you know of any other "wild child" stories?
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AGE
Good Book!
I read it in reading class, and it was really interesting in my opinion.
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AGE
Great book for fantasy lovers!!
This book is great!! I have a good perspective on what kids whould watch out for. I really enjoyed this book because it is confusing at certain parts in a chapter, then the pieces come together and you get hyped up and want to keep reading it forever. Definitely read this!
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AGE
good read
I did like this book there were times when it was slow but the author told a good story. My girls could read this book with no problem, but I do not think that most 10 year olds could follow the story the way it is written. But if your kids can read the harry potter series, at least the first few, then this book should be ok for them.
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AGE
Extremely unique and fun book. Encourages imagination. For more fun, listen to author read it.
This book is SO unique. It is the "Jungle Book" only set in a grave yard. I read it with my 9 year old. A really fun special thing to do with this book is to watch/listen to the author read it online because Neil Gaiman read one chapter at each publicity stop on his tour for this book so if you go to his website you can watch him read the entire book. He's very emotive and a wonderful to listen to.
As we read the book we discussed issues that would come up--bravery, moving out on your own when you are grown, why the ghosts had different views of life (because of how much customs changed from when the different ghosts were alive), etc. This is a very engrossing fun book to read for the adventrue of the story but it also encourages imagination because it is so unique a take on what *can* happen. It was fun to have my daughter talk about "what if ..." afterward and make up little short stories of her own.
There is some violence right off. However, it is not described merely you are told that it happens. So, it is left to the reader's imagination to fill in how bloody or horrible the scene is. (Which I prefer, excessive description is unnecessary.)
GREAT book.
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AGE
Sometimes, has a dark feel, but very charming and satisfying.
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AGE
Need to Read! (especially at halloween.)
I just finished reading this book, and its one of the best books i have read besides the harry potter series. i got kind of confused in some parts. but most of all a very good book to read.
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AGE
Kind of sad, but has good messages
I liked this book, but it's a little confusing if you dont pay attantion to the plot because it scips years from chapter to chapter. The ending isnt what you excpect, but its not happy or sad. Its also a little depressing because Bod's parents and little sister are mudered
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AGE
There is a reason why Neil Gaiman has won every award when it comes to literature.
This is the perfect book to read with your child before they go to bed. Each chapter is a self contained story, but each story sets up the end of the book. The only problem I had is that the book ends. Perhaps this summer I will read it with my little girl.
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AGE
love this book!
This book is really good! i had to do a report and thought this would be a cool book to read. I was right, but at some parts it get boring and your just wait for somthing exciting then at other parts your waiting for normal parts. this is my second favorite book. I would recomend the book Milkweed if you like the graveyard book
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| Author: | Neil Gaiman |
| Illustrator: | Dave McKean |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | September 30, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 312 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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