FlumeAward – The Graveyard Book Discussion page for The Graveyard Book.
What a great story! This has appealed to all-teachers, staff, students and their siblings. While some of you think this is more of a middle school book, I disagree. This is an opportunity for the "non-reader" to be seen with a popular book by a super author with a cool cover that does not scream easy reader. Sue-MHSLMC
I totally agree — this is more of a "middle school" selection, even though it does contain some older, "dark" elements. It is very well written and will hold the interest of both girls and boys, but older teens, in my opinion, will not be held by it. I would not recommend it for the Flume Award. Donna, Colebrook Public Library
Ditto.
Lets take this one off since it is on this year’s Great Stone Face list.
I agree, its been on a lot of lists and there are plenty of other strong candidates on this list. –MaryCronin, Madison Library
I’m with the two above comments – plus, it’s a bit on the younger side of "teen" literature. -Lisa Houde Rye Public Library
Too young and already on lists…remove. Amy INglis
Too young and has been blitzed everywhere already.
-Kelly Budd, KHS
I hate to disagree, but this is a teen choice award. They have spoken. If it doesn’t make the final list on its own merits, that’s fine, but just because it’s on other lists doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on the Flume List. Also, at least at my library, the Children’s librarian opted not to add it to the J collection, as it seemed too dark. Both our audio and print copies are in my YA collection, and have circulated well there. I thought it was delightful. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton, NH
I agree with Kirsten. I actually listened to the book (which was fabulously narrated by the author) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am not a fan of science fiction/fantasy books, but I occasionally force myself to read them so I can make informed recommendations. I’ve recommended The Graveyard Book to students and staff and so far everyone has enjoyed it, staff and students alike. I know of at least two H.S. English teachers who recommended this book to their students. It has been popular with male and female readers of all ability levels and ages.
Kathy Vetter, Somersworth High School, NH
This is such a dark, creepy book- I loved it! Yes, it’s on the GSF & Isinglass lists this year, but many of our younger GSF readers brought it back mainly unread because it was too dark & scary for them. I think it’s great for middle-high school readers, even if it’s not a "hard" read. -Lucia, Wiggin Memorial, Stratham
I think this could easily be on the final list- it won the Hugo Award for Best Novel for 2009, which is not a young adult award. -Beth Strauss, Pelham High School