I read this myself first before giving it to my 11yo daughter. We both really enjoyed it. I was slightly unsure in the first chapter as this is quite scary (family being killed by a man with a knife) and the pictures in the edition I have were quite scary. But as it went on it turned into a great story about how a boy turned into a good adult and was able to make the right choices, despite a clearly unusual and difficult upbringing. I liked the message that even people who might not appear to be ideal role models(ghosts/vampires etc) can still provide good advice and education. I would far rather my children read this than the other vampire / horror books that seem to be going around the school - sufficiently cool and "scary" to keep them happy, but actually quite safe and positive in message. It was also a nice fast and easy read.
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The Graveyard Book
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Creepy AND warmhearted -- Gaiman's best yet.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Graveyard Book
Parents need to know that this is mildly creepy with a bit of violence, suspense, and threat, including a man who murders a family and tries to murder a toddler and a teen boy and girl.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about this book and The Jungle Books, which the author says influenced him. What are the similarities in plot and style? How are they different? Do you know of any other "wild child" stories?
Our Members Say
See all 13 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A good, heartwarming read.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Chilling and captivating and wonderful!
The beginning is chilling but its part of what makes the book so powerful. Its is a great read. And funny but wonderful that the good role models are ghosts and other typically scary characters. The other alive people are who the boy has to be afraid of. Interesting perspective. Fabulous read.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
OK book
Right now I'm reading this book in class and find it quite good. Chapters 3-5 are rather boring but then it picks up. Not Gaiman's best.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
Spooky Good Read
I think that this book sends a positive message about growing up and being your own person. Bod has tough choices to make... but in the end he seems to make the right ones. Sometimes the life we are dealt is not a pretty one, but this book shows how one boy was able to make the best of it The story is a little scary in places but not too extreme.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Loved this book - just wish it had a more interesting ending.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 67% | of parents say it's too violent |
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For Your Family
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