Review: Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The graveyard book.

Gaiman, N., & McKean, D. (2008). The graveyard book. New York: HarperCollins Pub.

There is a Potter-esque feel from the beginning, as a young, obviously significant English boy escapes his intended murderer but loses his family.  This may be a bit dark for younger children prone to dwell on the idea of a young girl being stabbed to death in her sleep. Toddling into a nearby graveyard, the yet unnamed but clearly adventurous boy is adopted by the graveyard's inhabitants, mainly a couple of married ghosts from bygone days, the Owenses, and a guardian, Silas, who resides among neither the living or the dead, but has been given access to the graveyard as well.  The child is named Nobody Owens, or Bod for short. Growing up in the graveyard among the ghosts who advise and educate him, Bod gains a number of supernatural talents, stating simply that he has acquired these because "This is my home...I can do things here" (261).

Ultimately a reality is woven in which we discover Silas' role, as well as that of the murderer, ghouls, werewolves, witches, and ancient spirits.  When Bod reaches his teenage years he has to navigate the world outside the safety of his graveyard by learning to be as unnoticeable as possible, or “fade from awareness” (105), but of course eventually pursues the story of his family's murder, uncovers the reason he was targeted, and has to confront the secret society that wants him dead.

Illustrations contributed by Dave McKean throughout the novel, as well as epitaphs inscribed on tombstones that the author frequently relates, add to the overall feeling of foreboding and mystery.  The audiobook, read by a full cast of characters, is also known to be a great selection for children reluctant about venturing into audio, and is especially entertaining around Halloween time.

Elements younger children may find troubling include the murder of the protagonist's sister in the beginning, frequent situations of mortal danger, a discussion between the eight year-old protagonist and his guardian regarding suicide, flesh-eating ghouls, and possibly the idea of people forever confined to haunting their own burial grounds (this is what apparently separates Bod from his deceased family).  Themes include one’s ability to find self identity when he perseveres, goodness ultimately triumphs over evil, love transcends typical boundaries when you are open to it, and community is very significant in shaping and supporting individuals. The most appropriate audience is probably from the age of independent reading up, although it is an enjoyable read-aloud with accompanying activities.