Whispers in the Graveyard facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Theresa Breslin |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel, supernatural fiction |
| Publisher | Methuen Young Books |
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Publication date
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August 1994 |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback) |
| Pages | 127 pp (first edition) |
| ISBN | 0-416-19052-9 |
| OCLC | 31078758 |
| LC Class | PZ7.B7545 Wh 2007 |
Whispers in the Graveyard is a children's novel written by Theresa Breslin. It was first published in 1994 by Methuen. This book is special because it won the Carnegie Medal in 1994. This award is given each year to the best children's book by a British author. Librarians who gave the award called the story "gripping, powerful, and haunting."
The novel was later turned into a play. Richard Conlon and Theresa Breslin worked together to adapt the book for the stage. The play was published in 2009. The book has also been translated into several languages, including Spanish, Italian, Thai, and Korean, showing its popularity around the world.
Creating the Story
Theresa Breslin got the idea for Whispers in the Graveyard from her work as a librarian. She often heard parents looking for books about dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning difference that makes reading and writing harder for some people. Breslin saw how much children and their families struggled with this. She wanted to write a book that would help others understand what it's like to have dyslexia. She decided to tell the story from the point of view of a boy with dyslexia.
The setting for the story came from a real event in Breslin's hometown. A new road was being built, and it went through an old graveyard. This meant that bodies buried there had to be moved. People became worried when they learned that some graves held victims of smallpox. Smallpox was a very serious disease in the past. This real-life event inspired the spooky setting and some of the dangers in the book.
About the Story
Whispers in the Graveyard is about a 12-year-old boy named Solomon. Solomon has dyslexia, which makes school very difficult for him. He often feels misunderstood and alone. His mother left when he was young, and his father struggles with his own problems. Solomon also faces bullying from his teacher, Mr. Watkins, who is nicknamed "Warrior Watkins."
Solomon finds comfort and peace in a local graveyard. He learns that some people buried there died from smallpox. This makes him worry about the graves being disturbed. But the real danger in the graveyard is not from old diseases. It comes from something much more mysterious and supernatural.
Solomon's Journey
Solomon is a Scottish boy in his last year of primary school. People often think he is lazy or not smart because of his dyslexia. His teacher bullies him, and his father neglects him. Solomon often escapes to the quiet graveyard. It is his special place.
One day, Solomon overhears a conversation about the graveyard. He learns that it will be dug up to build a new road. This news upsets him greatly. Soon after, a special rowan tree in the graveyard is removed by workers. After this, Solomon starts having bad dreams. He also hears strange whispers in the graveyard.
Because of his father's behavior, Solomon spends a night hiding in the graveyard. There, he sees something terrifying. One of the workmen is swallowed by the ground. This happens after the worker unearths a mysterious chest. The chest is marked with the word "Malefice."
Solomon later discovers that "Malefice" means "witchcraft." He learns that a victim of the Scottish witch hunts is buried in the graveyard. It seems this ancient spirit has woken up and wants revenge.
A young girl named Amy Miller, the professor's daughter, becomes friends with Solomon. She is drawn to the graveyard by the same mysterious force. Solomon follows her, wanting to protect her from the evil presence. This presence tries to take control of Amy. With help from his father, Solomon manages to save Amy and himself.
At the end of the book, Solomon starts to change his life. A kind teacher, Ms. Talmur, has helped him throughout the story. She encourages him to keep trying, even though it will be hard. His father also agrees to get help for his own problems. The story shows how Solomon begins to overcome his challenges and build a better future.
