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Coraline

(2004, Fiction - Horror, Written by Neil Gaiman)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Creepy tale isn't for sensitive children.

Themes in this book include:   family relationships

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 9–12

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A rat is decapitated by a cat. Coraline is chased by weird creatures. Intentionally scary, but not terrifying. Lots of rats, spiders, clammy rooms, mysterious threatening beings, and other typical haunted house elements.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Coraline

Parents need to know that this story is pretty creepy -- and certainly not for sensitive children. But it's a good choice for kids who want horror and whose parents would prefer it be well-written and not too gruesome. Coraline's world includes rats, spiders, strange creatures, and other low-level spookiness.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Coraline's relationship with her parents and the other adults in her life. Is Coraline happier in the real world, or in the world she finds on the other side of the 14th door? How are the two worlds different? Which one would you rather live in?
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Coraline?

  •  I think this book is

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See all 38 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    redjed
    Lives in Mississippi
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I LOOOOOOOOOVED IT!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    sb34chick
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Much Better Than The Movie

    This story is better than the movie because Coraline is not enticed into the fantasy world her "other mother" has created where everything has buttons for eyes. Somewhat creepy of a theme, but the story is told very well. The vocabulary and themes are on-par and the creativity of the storyline is impressive. Just be aware that it is a dark storyline, where good overcomes in the end.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    butterflydust
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Confusing, but not as scary as the movie

    I like it, but it can be confusing for younger kids. Not as scary as the movie. If your kids want to watch the movie, read the book with them first, if they do okay it's probably safe.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  4. Parent Reviewer
    jespee
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0

    I worry about what my 11 year-old daughter views, but unlike me; she is not as sensitive to certain subjects. At the end of the story my daughter turned to me and said, "That's why I should not go with strangers, even if they promise me good things; like toys or Disneyland." It began a conversation on why she should never talk to strangers. The story was positive for my daughter. If your child is sensitive than it's up to the parent to decide wether or not your child should view it. I was a little surprised with the story, I am somewhat sensitive as a parent; because I over worry.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    txt me
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    a great book

    this book is great and creepy. and it's not as creepy or scary as the movie. perfect for kids ages 8-12.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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