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.
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Coraline
(2004, Fiction - Horror, Written by Neil Gaiman)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 9. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Creepy tale isn't for sensitive children.
Themes in this book include: family relationships
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9–12
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
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.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
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?
Our Members Say
See all 36 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
Confusing, but not as scary as the movie
- I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy 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.
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
a question from your younger children and a resposble answer from u!
the book is not as long or as dtailed as the movie is and will be less frightening for kids. If ur child is 6-8 years of age and hasnt really had much exsperense with scary things but then say "mom dad can i watch Coraline the movie?" If your child is 6 or under this should be your answer "no sry u need a little more exsperence with scary things before we let u watch that movie." but if your child is 7 or 8 and they ask this should be your answer shouldent be completly no it should be "well how about u and me read the book together first and if u can handle the book then it should be ok for u to watch the movie". and if your child is 9 this should be your answer "well Coraline isnt that bad so yeah u can watch it but i'm going to watch with u." these are resposible answers to your kids question to make sure they stay happy and nightmare free! PS: also if they watch the movie before reading the book and they liked the movie then they are definetly going to like the book.
I rate this title on for age 10 and give it- My highlights are:
- Good role models
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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For Your Family
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