The Graveyard Book
What’s inside...
After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own. Nobody Owens, known as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a graveyard, being raised by ghosts, with a guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead. There are dangers and adventures for Bod in the graveyard. But it is in the land of the living that real danger lurks, for it is there that the man Jack lives and he has already killed Bod's family.
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Bod's unique upbringing in the graveyard shape his personality and values?
What does the concept of family mean in the context of this story, and how does it compare to your understanding of family?
In what ways do the characters in the book show courage and fear, and which situations resonated most with you?
How do the themes of life and death coexist in the storyline, and what emotions did this evoke in you?
If you were Bod, how would you handle the challenges he faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prompt discussions on the moral lessons within the story by connecting them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Bod’s shoes in various situations throughout the book.
Highlight the role of the different graveyard characters and discuss with your child the importance of support systems in one’s life.
Explore the book’s settings by imagining and describing what living in a graveyard might be like, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Bod, the protagonist, regularly encounters danger but chooses to face his fears to protect his graveyard family and friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that courage is not about the absence of fear, but rather the decision to stand up against challenges despite being scared.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and community
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bod builds a support system with various characters despite their differences, demonstrating the strength found in coming together.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture relationships with those around them, understanding that everyone has something unique to contribute.
Example Lesson: Learning from past mistakes
Explanation: Bod listens to the stories of the ghosts, learning from their past lives, which often includes lessons from their mistakes.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to listen to the experiences of others, to learn and grow from them rather than repeating the same mistakes.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: Bod's circumstances force him to adapt to a constantly changing environment, helping him to grow and thrive in different situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being resilient and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book portrays a variety of characters from different backgrounds and with different stories, showing Bod learning to interact and learn from all.
Real-World Application: It highlights the value of embracing and respecting diverse perspectives and histories, fostering a more inclusive attitude in children.