uncanny doubles and one little girl

On Coraline's brave quest to be tricky and be brave

When I was a PhD candidate, having already defined my core research area, I decided to take a graduate course in Literature for Children, taught by a wonderful mentor and advisor, for the sheer fun of it.

Then, I almost abandoned my dissertation project and my research area to start a new project on fantasy literature and girlhood. I loved that class so much and to this day, it’s one of the best classes I ever had the privilege to be part of.

Today, I’m sharing a close reading of one of my favorite tales for children, Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. I read this tiny, magnificent novel (and watch the amazing film adaptation) every single year during the Halloween season, and every single time, something new stands out to me — some new connection or magic or genius in it sparks forward, and makes me want to write, and write, and write about it. So, why not share this year’s thoughts here?

Next week, another spooky close reading is on the way! (And it may or may not be on Shirley Jackson!!! So. Gi…