Coraline

Coraline
By: Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by: Dave McKean
Genre: Fiction
Ages: 9-up

Coraline by Neil Gaiman is a graphic novel about a girl named Coraline who just moves into a new house with her parents. The house is way to big for one family so they rent it out to other families as well. One of the families that lives in the house is a ghost family. The ghost family tries to convince Coraline to live with them in their part of the house. The story takes the readers on an adventure with Coraline to see if the ghost family will trap her forever or if Coraline will realize what is happening. I think children will love the adventure the book brings as well as the detailed pictures the graphic novel offers! Be prepared to be spooked!


Theme:
In the story, Coraline is always bored with her family. She is never satisfied with what her parents buy her or make her for dinner. It is not until she almost loses her family that she realizes sometimes things are not as bad as you think. The theme of this novel would be to never wish for something because it may happen and it may make you feel worse than before.


About the author:
Neil Gaiman is famous for his work with comics. He also has written several books. He is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers, and is a creator of works of  poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics, and drama. Most of his work is "dark" and "spooky," including Coraline. His work for Coraline was later turned into a movie.


Pre-reading activities:
Talk about the quote "you never know what you have until it's gone." What does this quote mean? Give examples and ask students to share personal experience they have had.


Post-reading activities:
Students will create their own mini graphic novels. The themes should be "dark" just like Coraline. Explain what a graphic novel should look like and use Coraline as an example.

Source used:
http://www.neilgaiman.com/