The only word I could use to describe it was "different". After my assistant read it we talked about it a bit more and then did a bit of research on various things in the book, and they all turned out to be referring to English (as in England) things, so I wondered how many American kids would get it, 'cause it made a lot more sense to me after I knew that. We did not purchase it for our K-6 building, but do have it in our 7-12 building.

I really liked it. The audio version is great!

I agree with you, Deb. There's enough violence elsewhere that I don't need it in the opening of a kids book. But I'm a bit sensitive to violence and blood.

Wow, thanks everyone! I think I'm going to give it a miss based on everyone's comments. Maybe in a few years.

I don't know, I wanted to love it, I really did. I just felt that the plot had to try way too hard. Not sure if anybody gets what I mean...but...I'm not sure how else to describe it. It was a great idea, maybe I just need to reread one of these days.

I went out and bought it because of the hype and because I try to pick up any Newberry award winner I find the least bit interesting. It is vivid, but I honestly was more disturbed by Bridge to Terebithia.

As an adult, I really liked it but would hesitate to give it to younger readers. I found it in my middle school library and I really think it's more for older adolescents through adults. I objected to the opening chapter depicting the murder of the family - the villain wiping his dripping knife is a little too graphic in my opinion for young readers. As a 6th grade teacher, I think my students are exposed to enough violence as it is without having a "kids" book opening with it. I'm sorry it won the Newbery because many school libraries will just automatically purchase it without really thinking about the age of their readers.

I'm reading it now. It's okay so far. I like the dark mood of the book and the characters are interesting. I'm not sure if I'm far enough into it to get a good grasp on it. I'll see how it goes and let everyone know.

I can't wait to read The Graveyard Book! I'm going to read it first to see if it's ok for my 8 year old son.

I heard good things from another mother - she said she couldn't put it down. Her daughter is 7 but her son is 11 so I'm not sure who the book was for. It does give you a range though =)

I was really surprised when I saw that The Graveyard Book won the Newberry award. Is it really OK for kids? Has anyone read it to their kids? What ages?