THE GRAVEYARD BOOK by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. 2008. Ill. by Dave McKean. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN 9780060530938

Audio Book:

Gaiman, Neil. The Graveyard Book. Narrated by Neil Gaiman. 2008. New York: Recorded Books. ISBN 9781436158848

Nobody Owens is the name of the boy in this uniquely Gaiman fantasy.  While just a toddler, Nobody is  orphaned by "the man Jack." Nobody escapes being killed himself by toddling his way to a nearby ancient graveyard that has been repurposed as a nature preserve for the past 30 years.  There he finds protection, education, and an interesting upbringing.   Mr. and Mrs. Owens, resident ghosts who had been childless in life, become his adoring parents.  He is affectionately nicknamed "Bod" (not to be confused with "Bud") by a living-dead creature named Silas who becomes his guardian.  Because Silas is allowed out of the graveyard at night, he is able to supply Bod with food, clothes, books, and other necessities for a living boy. 

Hinting of the sentiment "it takes a village," Silas convinces the reluctant ghosts that it will "take a graveyard" to give the living boy a proper upbringing.  Bod is given “The Freedom of the Graveyard" which allows him to see in darkness and other spectral abilities.  Over time he learns "Fading, Sliding, and Dreamwalking" which seem as reasonable as "reading, writing, and arithmetic.”  Silas explains to Bod, "it's only in the graveyard that we can keep you safe.  This is where you live and this is where those who love you can be found.  Outside would not be safe for you.  Not yet."  

In eight chapters, Gaiman charms and chills us with Bod's story from toddler to young adult.   He is loved, nurtured and prepared to eventually take his place in the real, living world where he belongs.  The phantasmagoric personalities he encounters are every bit as believable as the living people he meets.   They all play a significant part leading up to the final confrontation of his ultimate adversary.  Themes of love and friendship flourish in the midst of the struggle between good and evil.  Themes of bravery and sacrifice weigh heavily in the plot as well.

The Graveyard Book lends itself to a celebration of other scary stories and scary music.  Episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the Twilight Zone can be shared along with works by other masters of suspense such as R. L. Stine or John Bellairs.  Holidays such as Mexico’s Day of the Dead and our own Halloween are obvious times to explore goose bump inducing fantasy.  Music such as Gounod’s Funeral March of a Marionette (Alfred Hitchcock’s theme music), and Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain (from Disney’s Fantasia) would be pieces students should be introduced to if they are not already familiar with them.

Gaiman's Newbery gold for this work credits his storytelling and writing genius, but the audio book showcases yet another talent.  Performing his own work, Gaiman reveals a mellifluous, British voice and silver tongue that brings even more life to his story.  Bod, Silas, and the many other colorful characters in the story have distinct voices performed by Gaiman.  Never over done, or silly, but always endearing, Gaiman's performance is award worthy.   

Unabridged on 7 discs, the audio book is almost 8 hours of ghost-story entertainment.  Each disc opens with music arranged and performed by Bela Fleck and his trademark banjo.  Recommended for ages 10 and up, it is an excellent choice for a family road trip or for a nightly read aloud on a camping trip.  Kirkus sums it up as “Wistful, witty, wise—and creepy.” 

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. 2006. New York:  Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375931007

Audio book:

Zusak, Markus. The Book Thief. Read by Allan Corduner. 2006. New York:  Random House Listening Library. ISBN 0739338005

Markus Zusak reprised his Michael Printz honor award with The Book Thief, easily, one of the best books I've ever read in both style and story.   Brilliantly told from Death's perspective, World War II Germany comes alive as we experience the lives of Liesel Meminger, her foster parents, Mama and Papa Hubermann, her best friend Rudy, and her Jewish hero, Max.  We enter a period of history that nightmares are made of and survive it through the eyes of a young girl and the people who love and sacrifice for her, and the freedom only a book thief could know.

Zusak writes the story in ten parts of about nine chapters each, a prologue and epilogue.  He uses lists to help Death describe parts of the story which lends to its unique structure.  A Kirkus review notes, “The writing is elegant, philosophical, and moving. “  Zusak's prose is poetic in its rich imagery.  Each character, place, and event so skillfully described that the words live and breathe.  His word craft makes Papa's love as tangible as Mama's chaffing exterior, and Rudy's endearing antics as palpable as Max's intensity.  In describing Hans Hubermann, Liesel's foster father, “Death" says of his eyes, "They were made of kindness, and silver.  Like soft silver, melting.  Liesel, upon seeing those eyes, understood that Hans Hubermann was worth a lot." 

The plot contains a full plate of emotions.  There are lavish and prolific helpings of love and hate, humor and horror, joy and sadness, to name a few.  Themes of fear, survival, sacrifice, and friendship are strong and poignant.  Given the historic reality of the sobering subject matter, this book is recommended for readers ages 12 and up. 

Several book parings come to mind in promoting this book.  Hitler Youth by
Susan Bartoletti deals with the world that Liesel and Rudy found themselves in.  Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin deals with the fear children experience under tyrannical governments.  Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables touches the desperation that leads one to steal. 

The unabridged audio book is 14 hours on 11 discs.  Allan Corduner's performance is superb in every way.  His accent fits the story, and given that his mother is German, the German expressions sound 100% authentic.  His voice is always rich and clear while he captures the gentleness of Papa, the harsh mask of Mama, the innocence of Rudy, the determination of Max, and the unique persona of Death.  “When Death tells a story we pay attention” (Kirkus review) and this story is one that makes even Death draw a breath.

RAPUNZEL'S REVENGE by Shannon and Dale Hale

Hale, Shannon and Dale. Rapunzel's Revenge. Ill. by Nathan Hale. 2008. New York:  Bloomsbury. ISBN 9781599900704

Husband and wife team Shannon and Dale Hale give the classic Rapunzel fairy tale a cowboy twist that will lasso young readers into graphic novels.  Set in a storybook Wild West, "Punzie" escapes her evil witch mother, Gothel, finds her real mother (enslaved), and teams up with a dashing but cocky bowler-donned Jack (as in the beanstalk). Together they set out through the territory of Gothel's Reach to right the wrongs brought on by Gothel's greed.      

“Rich with humor and excitement” (Booklist), some of the adventures and mis-adventures of this vigilante duo include rescuing a kidnapped spoiled brat, a horrific battle against ferocious beasts, and a spine-tingling ride with a giant sea serpent. In each episode we see Rapunzel’s long braided hair used as a whip or a rope to get them out of trouble--not your traditional damsel in distress.

Nathan Hale (no relation) illustrates the action in vibrant color.  The word bubbles are clear and easy to read.  The pages are beautiful to look at and not too cluttered.  It is easy to follow who is good and who is evil, and the good guys are likable enough to make us care what happens next.  The fantasy world is easy to buy into aided by the cartoon format of the book. 

Tie in a few other classic tales such as Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, or Little Red Riding Hood, give them a Texas twist, and watch the creativity grow as fast as Rapunzel’s hair.  With any luck, you just might find new meaning to “let your hair down.”