The Golden Compass

Title: The Golden Compass (Northern Lights)
Author: Philip Pullman
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0679879242

Recommended for Grades 9-12
Genre: Fiction-Fantasy

Reader’s Annotation:
Lyra Belacqua and her dæmon Pantalaimon are headed to the north to rescue her friend Roger and her father Lord Asriel. With a mysterious alethiometer that can answer any question to guide them, they set off in an adventure filled with new friends and peril.

Plot Summary:
Lyra Belacqua lives in a parallel world where every human's soul takes the form of a dæmon that can shape shift until they reach puberty. Lyra and her dæmon, Pantalaimon, must journey to help rescue Lyra’s friend, Roger, and other children who have been mysteriously disappearing. Before she leaves, Lyra is given an alethiometer that can answer any question for those who are able to read it. Lyra journeys to the north where she discovers a sinister plot to sever children from their dæmon, which causes death in the victims. The energy released when the link is cut causes a tear that leads to parallel worlds. Lyra and Pantalaimon, with the help of an armoured bear called Iorek Byrnison and an adventurer, Lee Scoresby, must stop these atrocities from happening.

Evaluation:
Many religious organizations have criticized Pullman's work, and it is important to keep this in mind when recommending it to young readers. The books are imaginative and inspiring, but are tailed by controversy.

Notes:
There are two other books in the His Dark Materials series.
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

In 2007 New Line Cinema released a theatrical adaptation of The Golden Compass.

The Golden Compass is published outside the United States as Northern Lights.