The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Narrowly escaping the murderer that killed his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard and is taken in by its inhabitants--the ghosts, of course. They give him the name Nobody "Bod" Owens, and they, along with the mysterious Silas, raise him to be a gifted and unusual boy. The story takes him through many years of his life, and many different adventures. His curiosity often leads him into dangerous situations, but he is rarely afraid.

As Bod grows older, he wonders more about the world around him and his own background. Through finding some answers, he also puts his life and his unconventional family at risk.

Having been written by Neil Gaiman, this book is definitely an original. While it is a little scary, the word I would most readily use to describe it is "charming." Bod Owens lives in a simpler time in the middle of a modern world. He doesn't know much of anything outside the fence, and he spends most days learning about ghoul gates and practicing Fading.

The fact that most of Bod's acquaintances are ghosts makes for a variety of interesting characters. We meet everybody from a ancient Roman, to a failed poet, to a drowned witch. These ghosts are some of the many who help Bod to learn and grow.

While some of Bod's adventures don't seem entirely pertinent to the story, I still really enjoyed reading about them. Sometimes they just help to develop his character. And some of the stories become relevant as you continue to read. You also get to see Bod's use of special abilities awarded to him as a member of the graveyard, and they are really cool!

I can't begin to describe how clever his villain is, mainly because I don't want to give anything away. I am so amazed by the ideas that come out of Gaiman's brain.  It is always thrilling to read his books, and The Graveyard Book is no exception.

Find this book today in the Intermediate section!