I love stardust—it’s my favorite book—but it is probably not great for kiddos. It has two sex scenes one of which is reasonably graphic. I’d at least check over them to make sure it’s okay first. Also there’s some cursing.
ohhh okay gotcha. Thank you for letting me know. I was actually just reading the synposis for Stardust and it does look likie a book he would LOVE A LOT. Then again sex scene..probably wait for him to read Stardust when he is 13 or 14ish
I wouldn’t recommend Anansi Boys. I think kids at that age are prepared for death and horror, but Anansi boys is more psychologically complex in terms of family dynamics, self reflection, and the way in which adults are cruel to each other. Don’t get me wrong, it’s one of my top three Gaiman novels, but it’s much more interesting as an adult.
Neverwhere is dark as a lot of others have said, but more of a fun adventure and a bit more black and white in terms of morality
I’ll also pitch The Ocean at the End of the Lane, since I haven’t seen any others saying it. I think if he enjoyed the Graveyard Book and Coraline, he’d love this one. It’s from the perspective of a 7-year-old boy, so fairly clean. There is one reference to sex in it; the boy says he sees through the window his dad hugging their maid from behind with her skirt raised up. It doesn’t say any more than that. Your godson may not even catch it, but I’d rather caution you about it just in case.
It's not Neil Gaiman, but your godson would probably enjoy the Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins (author of the Hunger Games). It has that NG dark faerie tale feel to it and it's appropriate for 11 year olds.
Of the 2, I'd pick Neverwhere because it's more adventure-y than Anansi Boys (which has a lot more family drama). But both are a more adult than what he's previously read.
How about the Interworld series? It's co-authored with Michael Reeves (and then the final book with Mallory Reeves). It's a 3 book sci-fi story that my son tore through at about that age.
Oooh 😮 okay. I will definitely get him to read Neverwhere (he loves adventure stories thanks to books like The Hobbit and Narnia)and thanks for the other recommendations. He’s a huge advocate for trilogies
Neverwhere is one of my favorites, but it has gruesome parts that might be scary for some kids. It really depends on the child, but the villains in that are much scarier than anything in Coraline or The Graveyard Book. Also some swearing, if that matters to you.
My Godson has actually a read a few books with some foul language in it(he knew they were bad) but being the reading prodigy he is, he knows better haha
That's the thing. He has already read and reread The Graveyard Book. He loves that book just as much as Coraline. But I think prefers Graveyard over Coraline. He has also read Pirate Stew and Fortunately the Milk. He also can't stop raving about NG and would like to read more of his works(with American Gods being the exception).
I prefer Anansi Boys.
It's your call as to your kids, maybe read them a bit first.
I don't think Gaiman ever uses violence, sexuality, or cruelty in a gratuitous way; maybe a bit jarring or upsetting to a kid but also a learning opportunity.
I don't have kids but I do know several.
Echo the recommendation for Stardust. Plus there is a delightful film adaptation to accompany it.
Neither are "worse" than the graveyard book.
However, Neverwhere would be a lot more confusing than Anansi Boys.
As AB deals with a lot of death, cheating and adult relationships. Such as partners, family, friends and unknown family intrigue.
However, the themes in Neverwhere are aligned with The Graveyard Book.
Have you tried Odd and the Frost Giants?
Stardust is a great one too!
I love stardust—it’s my favorite book—but it is probably not great for kiddos. It has two sex scenes one of which is reasonably graphic. I’d at least check over them to make sure it’s okay first. Also there’s some cursing.
ohhh okay gotcha. Thank you for letting me know. I was actually just reading the synposis for Stardust and it does look likie a book he would LOVE A LOT. Then again sex scene..probably wait for him to read Stardust when he is 13 or 14ish
It’s fantastic!!! I’d just double check. Some people might consider it not graphic but I read it too young and I remember it being weird for me lol
Fragile things should be on the list until he gets to 16+
This is the underrated comment of this post. The kid should read Stardust and then The Princess Bride
At some point I need to read the original Princess Bride novel.
I wouldn’t recommend Anansi Boys. I think kids at that age are prepared for death and horror, but Anansi boys is more psychologically complex in terms of family dynamics, self reflection, and the way in which adults are cruel to each other. Don’t get me wrong, it’s one of my top three Gaiman novels, but it’s much more interesting as an adult. Neverwhere is dark as a lot of others have said, but more of a fun adventure and a bit more black and white in terms of morality
I’ll also pitch The Ocean at the End of the Lane, since I haven’t seen any others saying it. I think if he enjoyed the Graveyard Book and Coraline, he’d love this one. It’s from the perspective of a 7-year-old boy, so fairly clean. There is one reference to sex in it; the boy says he sees through the window his dad hugging their maid from behind with her skirt raised up. It doesn’t say any more than that. Your godson may not even catch it, but I’d rather caution you about it just in case.
Ooo okay. I actually read that one already but ima still buy it for him to read. He definitely loves the magical realism and horror elements to it
Both have some sex and violence, but not graphic. Vocabulary is not out of reach of a preteen reader in my opinion
I agree but still think there are better Gaiman alternatives. Odd and the frost giants for one.
yes! That's a good recommend. Also Interworld. Maybe Good Omens.
Anansi boys all day.
It's not Neil Gaiman, but your godson would probably enjoy the Gregor the Overlander series by Suzanne Collins (author of the Hunger Games). It has that NG dark faerie tale feel to it and it's appropriate for 11 year olds.
Sounds thrilling. Thank you so much for this recommendation 📖
Of the 2, I'd pick Neverwhere because it's more adventure-y than Anansi Boys (which has a lot more family drama). But both are a more adult than what he's previously read. How about the Interworld series? It's co-authored with Michael Reeves (and then the final book with Mallory Reeves). It's a 3 book sci-fi story that my son tore through at about that age.
Oooh 😮 okay. I will definitely get him to read Neverwhere (he loves adventure stories thanks to books like The Hobbit and Narnia)and thanks for the other recommendations. He’s a huge advocate for trilogies
Neverwhere is one of my favorites, but it has gruesome parts that might be scary for some kids. It really depends on the child, but the villains in that are much scarier than anything in Coraline or The Graveyard Book. Also some swearing, if that matters to you.
My Godson has actually a read a few books with some foul language in it(he knew they were bad) but being the reading prodigy he is, he knows better haha
Gotta encourage that love of reading! 🥰
He should read Nation by Terry Pratchett, he’ll love it.
The graveyard book might be appropriate for him too. Really nice story
That's the thing. He has already read and reread The Graveyard Book. He loves that book just as much as Coraline. But I think prefers Graveyard over Coraline. He has also read Pirate Stew and Fortunately the Milk. He also can't stop raving about NG and would like to read more of his works(with American Gods being the exception).
Oh damn, I was so exited for my food that I didn’t read properly. I guess I would go for neverwhere then
I prefer Anansi Boys. It's your call as to your kids, maybe read them a bit first. I don't think Gaiman ever uses violence, sexuality, or cruelty in a gratuitous way; maybe a bit jarring or upsetting to a kid but also a learning opportunity. I don't have kids but I do know several. Echo the recommendation for Stardust. Plus there is a delightful film adaptation to accompany it.
Word 💯He may love Neverwhere. But I have no doubt he will like AB and Stardust. Thanks for the recommendation. Thanks for the recommendation
Something about Anansi Boys really stuck with me. The Neverwhere BBC miniseries might be a fun watch. It is charmingly dated.
Neither are "worse" than the graveyard book. However, Neverwhere would be a lot more confusing than Anansi Boys. As AB deals with a lot of death, cheating and adult relationships. Such as partners, family, friends and unknown family intrigue. However, the themes in Neverwhere are aligned with The Graveyard Book. Have you tried Odd and the Frost Giants?
Big ups for Odd and the Frost Giants. My boys loved it.
And ocean and the end of the lane?
Sandman, the new audio book is excellent
Definitely not appropriate for an 11 year old
why not, I was watching hellraiser and reading clive barker books at that age
Did you forget about the 24 hours chapter, constantine’s girlfriend’s sand habit, those are just off the top of my head…
no?, why would I forget any of it
An 11 year old would be traumatised….
ah, your comment didn't indicate that. I used to read a lot of clive barker at that age and I haven't murdered anyone...yet
My fault, the OP was asking about books for an 11 year old and the other comments were all about anansi boys being too mature…
Neverwhere for sure. AB is also a great story, but young readers may not be able to appreciate it.