2009 Newbery medal for Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book"

If you're a follower of overseas book awards, you'll know that Neal Gaiman has won this year's Newbery medal for his book "The Graveyard Book." The Newbery has been criticised lately for choosing books that are well reviewed, but ignored by children. With this book, they have gone back to choosing a highly acclaimed book, that is also very popular with kids at the senior primary to secondary level.

Imagine the Jungle Book, but set in a graveyard...

When the man Jack is sent to kill a family of four, the adventurous toddler just happens to be making an escape bid, out of the front door to the nearby graveyard. He is brought up by the friendly ghosts, who keep him safe from the murderous world outside. Each chapter is a distinct episode, set a year or two apart as Bod (short for Nobody) grows up.

School Library Journal calls this book:

one of the most emotionally honest books I've yet to have read this year. Smart and focused, touching and wry, it takes the story of a boy raised by ghosts and extends it beyond the restrictive borders of the setting. Great stuff.

For an extra special treat, you and the young ones in your life can hear Neal Gaiman read the whole book online, here. (If your connection is slow, click on Play, then click on Pause a wee while before you want to listen. Then click on Play again after the chapter has had time to download.)

I have listened to the whole book this way, and loved it. While not suitable for the very young or impressionable child, I would highly recommend it to those who like their books a little scary, but tempered with delicious humour, wonderful writing, and characters you care about.

Also check out this blog post about Neil Gaiman's book (now movie) Coraline, and a very scary picture of our blogger Dylan.