Overall, this book was very dark for the age 8 and up audience. The story was wonderful and very well thought out, but it did make me, a 22 year old, a bit scared of my closet at night. The most interesting thing in this book was the other mother's name, Beldam. Literally translated form french, it means beautiful woman. However, according to Dictionary.com, Beldam means ugly old hag. What I also found interesting was that while I was reading the book, I said Bedlam, not Beldam. When we discussed the book in class, I realized my error. But Bedlam also fits the other mother's character. 'Bedlam' is usually associated with the mental institution or a mad house. Very fitting to the other parent's house.
Even thought I did enjoy the book and wanted to read to the end to make sure Coraline got home safe, I would not recommend this book to any 8, 9 or 10 year olds I know. My younger cousin, Johannah, is nine. But I think this book would keep her up at night. Even thought we know it is not possible for monsters to come out of closed doors, children have a hard time rationalizing the fear away when the house is dark and quiet.
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