The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is the 2009 Newberry Award winner. The story is about Nobody Owens, Bod for short. As a toddler, Bod's family was murdered by an unknown man. Bod was the only survivor, escaping to a nearby graveyard. Upon arriving at the graveyard, the ghostly residents decided to take him in. Silas, Bod's self-appointed guardian, redirected "Jack", the man following Bod after murdering his family, to keep Bod safe. So, Bod was raised by Mr. and Mrs. Owens, two loving ghosts who had never had children of their own. Silas, not exactly living, but not exactly dead, was able to leave the graveyard to get food and clothing for Bod. Bod grew up learning the secrets of the graveyard, including how to "fade" and instill fear and even terror in others. Eventually, Bod was allowed to enroll in school. This did not go well for anyone! Bod got himself involved with some school bullies, trying to save their victims from needless beatings, and became a victim himself. Silas decided that Bod should remain in the graveyard until it was safe for him to be among the living. Silas knew that "Jack" was still after Bod, and wanted to protect him as long as possible. Unfortunately, a strange turn of events lead Bod straight into Jack's house!

This was an interesting book. I really liked the way Neil Gaiman developed the characters of Bod and Silas. In the author's note, the author describes some experiences he had as he wrote and researched this book, including a tour of an ancient graveyard in London. It makes me want to visit there, too!

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn is about Molly and Michael, siblings whose mother recently remarried. Their new step-sister, seven year old Heather, is determined to ruin their new family by telling lies about how Molly and Michael treat her. It is obvious to them that Heather is trying to break up their parents. The family moves to an abandoned church one summer, hoping the fresh air will do the kids some good. Heather just grows stranger and stranger, going out to visit the small graveyard behind their new "house" and pretending to visit a girl named Helen. Every time Molly and Michael try to stop her, she makes up a story about how mean they are being to her and Dave, her father, takes her side. Molly, however, is sure she's seen a ghost-like figure with Heather and is determined to get to the bottom of it. Michael and Molly do a little research at the local library and learn that the old, dilapidated house behind their own house used to belong to a family, 100 years ago, but every one of them died in a fire - including their seven year old daughter Helen. This is all the proof Molly needs. Michael doesn't believe in ghosts until strange things begin happening inside their own house and Heather claims it is Helen's doing. Meanwhile, their parents are being split further and further apart by the constant battles between Molly and Michael and Heather.

This books was an excellent ghost story! It was scary, but not so scary that I'll have nightmares. I was SO angry at Heather on behalf of Molly and Michael - that's how I know this is a good book! When an author is able to make me care so much about a character that I actually feel emotions, I know I'm hooked on the story!