Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of emotional abuse, child abuse, and mental illness.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What expectations did the early description of Coraline’s house and neighbors set for you? How did Gaiman’s story fulfill or subvert those expectations? Have you read other works by Gaiman (e.g., The Graveyard Book) that play with similar themes of childhood courage?

2. How effective was Gaiman’s decision to make the “other” world initially more appealing than Coraline’s real world? What does this choice reveal about the nature of temptation?

3. What role does the atmosphere of the divided house play in setting up the story’s events? How does the setting contribute to both the wonder and horror of Coraline’s adventure?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Coraline feels neglected because her parents are too busy working to give her attention. Reflect on a time when you felt overlooked by someone important to you. How did you handle those feelings?

2. The story suggests that getting everything you want can lead to emptiness.