Coraline by Neil Gaiman (AUDIOBOOK)

Gaiman, N. (Author and Performer). (2002). Coraline [Audio Recording]. New York: Harper Collins Publisher.

Plot Summary:Coraline Jones is the only child and is in search of something to do so that she could stay entertained. She bugs her mother and father, but they continuously brush her off and instruct her to find something to do on her own. After she goes exploring throughout the house, she discovers a door that goes nowhere but to a brick wall. When she manages to enter through the mysterious door, she meets her "other" mother and her "other" father. Her world is duplicated and the people in this other world are cold, pale, and want her to stay in their world forever. When she makes it back to her own world, she discovers her parents missing. Coraline realizes she must be brave and return to the cold world beyond the door to make her life go back to normal.

Critical Evaluation: The fact that the author was the storyteller made the sound recording even more exciting. He did a fabulous job at creating voices for the various characters. The choice of music for the introduction and conclusion were excellent. It captured the essence of Coraline's world. Although the idea of Coraline discovering another world through a part of her house seems to have been done before, the characters are made much more dark and interesting with the black button eyes.

Information about the Author: Neil Gaiman was born and raised in England, but now currently lives in Minnesota. He has written several award winning books, comics, and short stories for people of all ages. His book, The Graveyard Book just won the Newbery Medal.

Annotation: When Coraline Jones discovers a door that leads to nowhere, she soon discovers that entering it will drastically change her world.

Genre: Supernatural

Curriculum Ties: none

Booktalking Ideas:Discuss books that have characters who have entered into another world.

Reading Level/Interest Age: 6th-12th grade

Challenge Issues: none

Reason for Inclusion: Coraline received the Hugo and Nebula award. Since the book was made into a movie, teens will likely become more interested.