THE GRAVEYARD BOOK

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Gaiman, Neil 2008. THE GRAVEYARD BOOK. New York, NY: Harper Collins. ISBN 979-0-06-053092-1

2. PLOT SUMMARY

This is a fantasy book about Nobody Owens, nicknamed Bod, who was the sole survivor of the heinous murder of his family. He finds sanctuary in a graveyard, whose ghostly inhabitants raise and protect him as their own. The cemetery becomes the backdrop of Nobody’s childhood adventures. As he grows, we learn of the man Jack, who killed his family and is still hunting for him. When they finally meet, Jack earns Bod’s trust, but when he attempts to murder him, Nobody uses his own supernatural powers to fight him and his accomplices, the Jacks of All Trades. In the end, Nobody defeats the Jacks and finally embarks on his life outside the graveyard.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

It’s easy to root for Bod. He is the innocent toddler who survives lifes most horrific event, the murder of his own family. Immediately, Gaiman brings to life an intense desire in his reader to see good things happen to Bod. We are relieved when Bod is granted the Freedom of the Graveyard, which offers protection from the murderer.

The story takes us along on Bod’s life journey. Early on, he enjoys an almost idyllic and protected life within the graveyard walls, beloved by all the inhabitants. As he ages, he yearns for contact with other humans and befriends a young girl named Scarlet. While she can see Bod, her parents cannot. They tell her he is imaginary, but she still cares for him.

“Her father called, ‘Scarlett! Come on, love. Time to go. You've had your last trip to the graveyard. Now let’s go home.’

Scarlett said to Bod, ‘You’re brave. You are the bravest person I know, and you are my friend. I don’t care if you ARE imaginary.’ Then she fled down the path back the way they had come, to her parents and the world.

Page 56

Their friendship is cut short after Scarlet moves to Scotland, but she fittingly reappears for the climax.

Over time, Bod hones the supernatural abilities gifted to him through the Freedom of the Graveyard, like fading, haunting and dream walking. As a reader, it’s easy to connect to experiences where these skills would come in handy. What kid wouldn’t love to dreamwalk into his parents’ sleep and convince them of their childhood desires? From simple ones, like getting a new bike, to serious ones, like please do not get divorced, kids will connect with Bod’s abilities.

Throughout the book, the setting of the cemetery is crucial. The cemetery becomes like another character. The nuances and traits of the cemetery are pivotal in every moment of Bod’s life journey, especially the climax. Bod comes to battle the Jacks of All Trades, one of whom was responsible for his family’s deaths. While battling them, he saves the life of Scarlet, who has returned from Scotland and joins him on his hero’s journey to save the world from the evil Jacks. The climactic death of the final Jacks takes place, of course, in Bod’s beloved cemetery.

One of the greatest pleasures in this book is Gaiman’s variant voices which distinguish the character groups. They each have a distinct style, from the threatening voices of the Jacks to the protective rhythms of Bod’s guardians, the character’s dialectical styles lend authenticity to those operating in Bod’s world: the Jacks, the Honor Guard, the humans and the graveyard inhabitants themselves. Each group is a joy, or shiver, to get to know through Gaiman’s varying voice.

The end, which becomes Bod’s new beginning, pits good against evil. Good triumphs, with a bit of heartache, and Bod bids a final farewell to the cemetery and his fading supernatural powers. Bod is, after all, human. He must finish his life as simply that--a human with no powers. Every reader will relate.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “This is an utterly captivating tale that is cleverly told through an entertaining cast of ghostly characters. There is plenty of darkness, but the novel's ultimate message is strong and life affirming."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Bod's love for his graveyard family and vice versa provide the emotional center, amid suspense, spot-on humor, and delightful scene-setting.”

5. CONNECTIONS 

*Learn about famous cemeteries, like Arlington’s National Cemetery and Westminster Abbey. Research the famous inhabitants and explain how they could have helped Bod throughout his journey.

*With students, create a secret society of Jacks who are good, instead of evil. How could they help the world?

*Newbury Medal, 2009

*Hugo Award for Best Novel, 2009

*Locus Award for Best Young Adult Novel, 2009