Whispers in the Graveyard

infobox Book |
name = Whispers in the Graveyard


image_caption = 1994 UK hardback edition
author = Theresa Breslin
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United Kingdom
language = English
series =
genre = Children's novel
publisher = Methuen Young Books
release_date = August, 1994
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages = 160 pp (first edition, hardback)
isbn = ISBN 0-416-19052-9

"Whispers in the Graveyard" is a children's novel by Theresa Breslin, published in 1994. It won the Carnegie Medal, and is described on the Carnegie winners website as "a gripping, powerful and haunting story". [ [http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/livingarchive/title.php?id=64 CILIP: "Whispers in the Graveyard"] ]

Plot summary

Solomon is illiterate and considered to be stupid and lazy, though he is actually dyslexic. He is bullied at school and abused at home. His father drinks all the time and neglects him. Solomon often goes to the local graveyard for refuge. He finds out that both people who died from smallpox and victims of the witch hunts are buried there. When the graveyard's rowan tree is uprooted, he hears mysterious whispers. It seems a witch has awoken and is intent on vengeance. A girl from his school is drawn into danger and Solomon tries to help her. A teacher encourages him and with her support he begins to change his life.

Reception

"Whispers in the Graveyard" received many positive reviews, and was notably described in The Independent's Weekend Review as "one of those rare books that makes you want to put your life on hold for as long as it takes to finish it... formidably good writing, full of wit and wisdom, from which children will go away encouraged rather than demoralised at the possibilities of the human condition." [ [http://www.theresabreslin.co.uk/whispersreviews.htm Reviews] ]

It is used in classrooms to promote good writing and also discussions about dyslexia and bullying. [ [http://www.newi.ac.uk/englishresources/workunits/ks3/reading/yr9/whispgrav.pdf Chapter-by-chapter lesson plan for classroom use of "Whispers in the Graveyard"] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.theresabreslin.co.uk/whispers.htm "Whispers in the Graveyard" at Theresa Breslin's website]
* [http://www.nate.org.uk/cmsfiles/news/00000415.pdf Teaching from "Whispers in the Graveyard"]