The Golden Compass

Title The Golden Compass
Author Philip Pullman
Pullman was born in Norwich in 1946 and with his family, lived and studied all over the world including England, Zimbabwe, Australia and North Wales. He has achieved much success with the His Dark Materials trilogy and is the author of many other books, mostly read by children and young adults.
ISBN 9780440238133
Publisher Laurel-Leaf Books
Copyright Date 1995
Reading Level/Interest Age 12+
Genre Fantasy
Plot Summary
The Golden Compass is the first book in Philip Pullman's fantasy His Dark Materials trilogy. Part coming-of-age story and part hero quest, this book tells the story of Lyra Balecqua, who is an orphan that has been raised in Jordan College by the scholars there. In Lyra's world, each person has a daemon, an amimal companion that is an integral part of each person's personality and being. Though daemons take on a fixed form once a person has reached adulthood, Lyra's and other children's are fluid and change forms based on mood and need. Upon sneaking into a private meeting with an explorer, Lyra learns of a mysterious, supernatural substance called Dust and after saving her father (though she doesn't know that's who he is at the time) from assassination, she is propelled on an adventure to the north. She quickly learns that she is not only destined to help solve the mystery of disappearing children, but also to save her own world and the multiple other worlds that exist in other dimensions.
Critical Evaluation
The Golden Compass is a page-turning, fast-paced thrill of a read that is sure to delight most teenagers. Though the book has been marketed for young adults, it is mature and tackles some very complex issues, including sexuality, love, sacrifice and death. The main character, Lyra, is extremely likeable and the reader grows with her as she learns about the dark forces that are controlling her world and others. The concept of the daemon is fascinating as is the description of the mysterious particles called Dust. What starts as a fantasy novel eventually is revealed to be a philisophical book about religion, sexuality and humanity. A wonderful recommendation for readers that enjoyed, but have grown out of, the Narnia series and who devoured Lord of the Rings. It is also a great recommendation for readers looking for something after finishing the Harry Potter series as this is a great challenging read.
Reader’s Annotation
Lyra is about to find out that she is destined to save not only her own world, but other worlds as well.
Curriculum Ties A great way to tie in conversations about the role of religion in politics for an older high school class.
Booktalking Ideas
1. Do a plot summary from the point of view of Pantalaimon, Lyra's daemon.
Challenge Issues
Issue: anti-Christian
Defense: alternative point of view, there is no direct attack on Christianity.
Why did I include this book?
Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (ALA, 1997); Carnegie Medal (1995); Guardian Children's Book Award; I wanted to include a fantasy title and this is a personal favorite.