The Stonekeeper

The Stonekeeper (2008) is the first graphic novel in the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi. The novel is aimed at young adults and brings together elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. It follows protagonist Emily Hayes as she attempts to rescue her mother from dangerous creatures that come from an alternate version of Earth. Emily’s brother, Navin, helps her on this quest, and they also have a mysterious yet powerful amulet that aids them.

Kibuishi used to work as an animator for Shadebox Animations. His favorite graphic novels—Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki and Bone by Jeff Smith—inspired him to write his own novels. Before The Stonekeeper, Kibuishi wrote several works, including the critically acclaimed graphic novel anthology Flight, and Copper, a webcomic that quickly grew in popularity. Since its release, the Amulet series has sold more than seven million copies in North America and has been featured in several “best of” lists such as Library Journal’s list of 33 graphic novels for reluctant readers and Book Links’s list of 26 high-quality graphic novels for elementary school children.

This guide refers to the 2008 Scholastic paperback edition of the text.