The Graveyard Book
The Graveyard Book follows Nobody Owens, Bod for short, as he explores his home in a graveyard. Readers join Bod on many adventures throughout his life from escaping the Indigo Man and the ghoul-gate, as well as finding out the truth about his true identity. Bod is safe in the graveyard from the dangers of the outside world, as well as from the man named Jack who killed his family prior to Bod's arrival at the graveyard. The book includes many paranormal characters that encourage student engagement.
I was skeptical when I saw the book on the required reading list for children's literature course but I ended up enjoying the reading. The book is mysterious and thrilling that students enjoy and keep them engaged. There are many different subjects that can be integrated into the reading such as science and social studies. At the end of chapter 3, Mrs. Lupescu identifies different constellations in the sky. After reading chapter 3 of the book, I would have my students, as a group, research the different constellations and do an oral report.
AR Level: 5.1
