The Graveyard Book

So Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book" won the Newbery, and it wasn't even on my radar.  Well, I did have it on my amazon wishlist (where I put books I hear good things about but cannot find at the library or cannot afford at the time).  It turns out that he lives like 30 miles from me!  I'd go stalk him, but he's in California - strike that - New York for the Today show tomorrow.  I ordered a copy as soon as I was physically able this morning and it will arrive Wednesday.  We'll see if the copy I requested from the library arrives first.  From what I read today, it might very well be a good read-aloud with my students!  I don't know much (yet) about Mr. Gaiman, but I can only assume he's awesome after having read this, which he wrote WHILE it was being announced that he had JUST WON THE NEWBERY.

It is very interesting that our Cybil Committee did not select any of the Newbery honor books or winner.  There was a lot of love for Savvy and The Underneath, which were both nominees in our category.  My personal prediction was, apparently, WAY off.  If I am remembering correctly, (and I'm not going to go check just now) the Cybils haven't really matched up with the Newberies (Newberys?) each year.  I suppose partially because the Newbery crosses Cybil categories.  I think that just goes to show what a valuable resource the Cybils lists really are.  Sure, the Newbery book will be famous.  But there are dozens of other amazing titles each year, and the Cybils list is one really great way to find them.

I'll read TGB asap and post a review soon!

Comments

[Melissa]

You know, the Newbery went fantasy this year... there's two on their Cybils list that got an award. And Sherry did call that The Underneath would get at least an honor, so she was right there. You're right about the Cybils being a good resource; I'm still proud of our list -- good kid appeal! good books! -- even if none of them won any of the big awards. :) (Becky was disappointed Shooting the Moon didn't get at least an honor.)

Incidentally, I'm kicking myself for not reading The Graveyard book back in October when I originally checked it out from the library...

[Sean Ashby]

If you want a good read-aloud... the entire "Graveyard Book" is available on his site in audio format. He read the whole thing on book tour and it's all available for free. And he's VERY good at reading his books!

[Megan T. - The Book Club Guide]

Thanks for you post on the Graveyard Book, I've hear great things about it and look forward to reading it soon (it's also on my Amazon wish list) along with your review.