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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, IL(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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