Description
From School Library Journal Gr 4-6-Adapted from the screenplay for the animated movie, ParaNorman works as more than simply a novelization. For as long as he can remember, 11-year-old Norman Babcock has seen and heard ghosts of both the human and animal variety. During his grandmother's funeral a year ago, he finally decided to talk back. This makes him something of an outcast in his small New England town, but he doesn't really mind. One ghost Norman has never had contact with is the witch who was executed centuries ago by the townspeople. On the eve of the 300th anniversary of her trial, Norman receives dire news: her curse will raise an army of undead and destroy the town unless he uses his power to stop her. While supporting characters are painted with fairly broad strokes-the boy-crazy older sister and dim-witted bully, for example-Norman is more fully developed with an interesting character arc as he learns he can rely on friends and family. Humor abounds with only mildly scary action, and the plot is augmented by some solid secondary themes including the fear of differences and the danger of mob mentality. Stylized, monochromatic illustrations introduce each chapter, and a "report" on the Blithe Hollow witch trial by one of Norman's classmates is included.-Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, ILα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. "Humor abounds with only mildly scary action..."― School Library Journal Read more
Features & Highlights
- In a quaint New England town with a history of witches and pilgrims, misunderstood eleven-year-old Norman Babcock can see and talk to ghosts. No one believes him, of course-everyone just thinks he's weird (including his parents). But when a folktale of a witch who cursed her accusers turns out to be true, it's up to Norman to save the town from pilgrim zombies! He'll also have to take on a very angry witch, an annoying sidekick, his boy-crazy teenage sister, and dozens of moronic grown-ups who get in his way. This young ghoul whisperer finds his paranormal talents pushed to their otherworldly limits in this hilarious and spooky adventure!Featuring gorgeous black-and-white interior illustrations and a story beyond what you'll see in the film, this novel is sure to delight!
