The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book, a Newbery Award winner, begins with the murder of an entire family...well entire, that is, except for a one-year-old boy. This toddler escapes to an ancient graveyard where he is adopted by a ghost couple and guarded by a being who is neither dead or alive. Readers come to know this remarkable boy as Nobody (Bod) Owens. Bod is raised in the graveyard and is taught mysterious, ghostly skills such as the ability to fade from view when necessary. Gaiman maintains a level of suspense throughout the novel by periodically shifting the storyline to the murderer known as the man Jack. The man Jack is determined never to give up his search for Bod, and he will not be satisfied until he is dead. Will life outside the graveyard ever be possible for Bod or is he forever confined to the safety of the graveyard? Those readers who relish surprise endings will be rewarded.

Since the story's plot is complex and very supernatural, I recommend the book to strong readers who enjoy the fantasy genre. By the way, I listened to this book on CD and thoroughly enjoyed Neil Gaiman's narration!

Mrs. N.