PLOT SUMMARY
Bod has the freedom of the graveyard. His adopted parents are ghosts, his guardian (who also has the freedom of the graveyard) and all other denizens of the graveyard are training him to keep safe from the creature that is trying to kill him. Will Bod ever be able to leave the graveyard to live among the living?

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Gaiman, known for his singular sense of fantasy for all ages, has crafted a coming-of-age tale for children, with creatures of all kinds; humans (both dead and alive), ghosts, ghouls, werewolves, wights, witches, “Jacks” (you’ll have to read to understand this one”, and even a vampire (though he is never identified specifically as a vampire.) All are shown through the eyes of Bod as he grows up in the graveyard, exploring and learning about good and evil. The graveyard inhabitants are from many other time periods, the longest interred (not counting the wight) is a Roman Centurion, and Gaiman has captured their ways of speech authentically. His treatment of each ghost is compassionate and sensitive to their station and occupation during life, and the age at which they died. The occupants of the graveyard have banded together to keep Bod safe from the “man Jack” as he grows from a toddler to manhood. Bod learns that not everyone can be trusted as he grows up and learns that his family was murdered and endeavors to find out who and foil the “man Jack’s” plans to find and kill Bod. 

The audiobook is read by the author, which I feel is a treat! What better way to experience a book than to have it read by the author?! I paired listening to the audiobook with reading the print copy and I’m glad I did because I would have missed the wonderful black and white illustrations by McKean. 

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
2009 Newbery Medal, 2009 Carnegie Medal, 2009 Hugo Award for best novel, 2009 Locus Award for Young Adult novel, 2009 Horn Book Honor, and 2009 Audio Book of the Year.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “…Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family.”
BOOKLIST: “There is plenty of darkness, but the novel’s ultimate message is strong and life affirming. Although marketed to the younger YA set, this is a rich story with broad appeal and is highly recommended for teens of all ages. Grades 6-10.”

CONNECTIONS
*Have students explore the various “Jack’s” and the history behind each. 

*Have students explore the time periods from which the ghosts come.
*Look for these other fantastical tales from Neil Gaiman:
Gaiman, N. CORALINE. Harper Collins Publishing, 2002. ISBN 978-0380977789
Gaiman, N. FORTUNATELY THE MILK. Ill. by Young, S. Harper Collins Publishing, 2013. ISBN 978-0062224071