The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book: Volume 1

Neil Gaiman

Publish date 2008

Grade 6

Published by HarperCollins Children’s Books

Reading Level: 820L

2 starred reviews:

“THE GRAVEYARD BOOK, by turns exciting and witty, sinister and tender, shows Gaiman at the top of his form. In this novel of wonder, Neil Gaiman follows in the footsteps of long-ago storytellers, weaving a tale of unforgettable

enchantment.” — New York Times Book Review

“Like a bite of dark Halloween chocolate, this novel proves rich, bittersweet and very satisfying.” — Washington Post

Summary:

            The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman follows the story of Nobody Owens who is nicknamed Bod. When he was a baby his parents were killed and he ended up in the graveyard. Here he was taken under by the Owen’s who named him and vowed to protect him from the person who was trying to kill him. He was given powers in the graveyard where he was not visible and learned from the ghosts. He goes on adventures within the graveyard. He gets into trouble a few times but always manages to get himself out. But when he is face to face with who killed his parents he must escape to save his own life and the lives of others.

Description: graphic novel

Suggested Delivery: small group, individual

Electronic Resources (2):

Book Trailer and Activities

            This site includes a book trailer, summary, activities, and other information about the text. This site can be used for pre, during, and after reading.

Reading Guide

         This link is to a full reading guide for the teacher and students. It includes vocabulary, graphic organizers, and questions for each chapter. It also has pre, during, and post reading activities.

Vocabulary:

Chaos – confusion or disorder

Consternation – a sudden amazement or dread that results in confusion

Dismal – gloomy

Derision – mockery

Domain – territory, thought, or action

Endure – to underg

Gargantuan – enormous

Implacable – no to be appeased

Implore – to beg urgently

Sinister – threatening or going to harm

Unkempt – not combed

Teaching Suggestions:

·      Use this book to teach about graphic novels

·      Use this book to teach about fiction

·      Use this book to teach about not judging others for who they really are

Pre Reading:  Preview the book by reading the title and author’s name and by looking at the cover illustration. Based on the title, what predictions can you make about this novel’s set- ting? Now browse through the book looking at some of the illustrations. How would you describe some of the characters? What do you think the book will be about? Will it tell a realistic or a fantastic story? Have you read any other books by this author or seen movies based on his work?

During Reading:The students will take part in fishbowl discussions throughout the text. The class will be split into two groups to participate in the fishbowl. The fishbowl will be done after every two chapters. The discussions will include the summaries of the text, the students thoughts about the text, and any questions they have regarding the text. 

After Reading: One theme in The Graveyard Book is the conflict between security and freedom. As he matures, Bod struggles against Silas’s attempts to confine him to the world of the graveyard: there he is safe but unable to associate with those of his own kind in the living world. How important is security to you? What freedoms would you forego in exchange for safety? How might giving up these freedoms impact your ability to successfully function as you mature?

Writing Activity:  When parting with Silas, Bod offered to come to Silas’s aid if ever he were in trouble. Write a short story about a time that Silas needed Bod’s help. Describe the problem and tell how Silas and Bod work together to resolve it.