Book post: The Graveyard Book

Book cover from Mouse Circus

Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

*Winner of the 2009 Newbery Medal*

The Graveyard Book follows the childhood of Nobody Owens, nicknamed Bod, from the time his family is murdered when he is a toddler to his adolescence.  As a baby, he crawls away and escapes the murder of his entire family, and is raised by the ghosts in the nearby graveyard.  Because of the strong ties to The Jungle Book, this book could be taught in conjunction with some of Rudyard Kipling's stories, to discuss the concept of nature vs. nurture with students.  Is Bod more like the ghosts who raise him or like the family who was killed when he was younger?  Bod's story is compelling, as are his relationships with his graveyard family/caretakers, Silas and Mr. and Mrs. Owens.  I like that the story is told in chapters that feel like short stories, and can be read on their own if desired; this feature makes the story go by quickly, and made me feel as if I was only seeing the most integral parts of Bod's young life.