Gaiman, N. (2008). The Graveyard Book. NY: HarperCollins.
This Newbery award winning book begins with a grisly scene of a family murder. One member of the family escapes the murders. It was the toddler, who happened to wander into a neighboring graveyard. At the pleading of his now ghostly mother, the supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own. The ghost name him Nobody Owens, known as Bod. He grows up in the graveyard and is being raised and taught by ghosts. Besides the ghosts, there is a groundskeeper named Silas, who belongs to neither the world of the living or the dead. Bod is learning supernatural powers from Silas and the ghost in the graveyard and is becoming a skilled fighter. It is revealed that the man Jack who killed Bod's family is still looking for Bod as it was prophesied that he would destroy the secret order of the Jack of All Trades. Bod as well as Silas and some other mystical friends defeat the order. After they defeat the order, Bod begins to lose his ability to see ghost and Silas gives him a passport and money to leave the graveyard and start a new life.
This book was a mixture of gore, mystery, and playful fantasy. Gaiman was able to weave together a very intricate plot and create a fascinating piece of fiction. Some of the opening murders may be to graphic for younger reader. I recommend this book for readers in grades 8 and up.
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