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The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Harper Collins, 2008
 Reviewer recommended 4th grade and up.
Summary

After his family's late-night murder, a tiny boy toddles into a nearby graveyard and ends up being raised by the ghosts who live there.

Language
  • Potentially offensive word "sucks".

Sexual Situations

  • Passing reference by a bachelor: "Everyone thinks I must be gay."

Violence

  • The main character's family is brutally murdered by stabbing.
  • Ghosts in the graveyard discuss: suicide, drowning, burning, hangings.
  • A witch describes being drowned, coming back to life and then being burned.
  • Boys get into a fist fight.
  • A man is hit by a car.
  • A boy stabs another with a pencil.
  • A hostage is threatened with a knife.

Drugs/Alcohol

  • Adults drink gin, Scotch and whiskey.

Race Issues

  • none

Religion

  • Christmas is mentioned.
  • The villain speaks of prayers to "Providence".
  • There is a discussion about "sacred ground" versus "unconsecrated ground" and whom may be buried in each.
  • One ghoul refers to himself as a Bishop.
  • Werewolves are described as "Hounds of God" who are called upon to pursue evildoers "to the gates of Hell."
  • There is an abandoned church in the graveyard.

Politics

  • Different ghouls are referred to as: the Emperor of China, the 33rd President of the United States, the Duke of Westminster, Victor Hugo and the Lord Mayor of London.
  • Guy Fawkes Day is mentioned but not explained.

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