ParaNorman: A Novel
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.