"The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
Bibliography
Gaiman, Neil. (2008). The Graveyard Book. New York, New
York: Harper Collins Children’s Books. ISBN: 978-0-06-053093-8
Summary
Nobody Owens is a normal boy, except that he has been raised
by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard.
Analysis
This book is definitely on par with
what one would expect from Neil Gaiman, but with a young-reader-friendly twist.
Although the typical dark, mysterious and downright mythological theme is still
present, the violence and action are a little more child friendly than some of
Gaiman’s other novels. It is not quite a graphic novel and not quite a novel
but instead serves more as an illustrated novel that has just enough
illumination to keep the reader’s imagination fell but wanting more.
The
illustrations themselves are very creepy in that they are pen sketches that all
seem cast in a peculiar shadow or fog, which really perpetuates the feeling of
doom you have while reading. The most often pictured is Bod, the gawky and
loveable main character. He is literally set apart from his entire family because
he is alive and they are not. I feel that many young readers can empathize with
him in this because they feel that their lives are similar and that they are
outcasts. Bod is a very engaging character that the reader cannot help but pull
for even when his actions are questionable.
This
book was available in audio form and, although I chose to read it the old
fashioned way, I think that many young readers would enjoy having this story
read to them
Awards
Newbury Award 2009
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