The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Publisher: Laurel-Leaf
Copyright Date: 1995
Number of Pages: 348
Awards: Carnegie Medal 1996, Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 1996, 70th Anniversary Carnegie of Carnegies 2007
Grade Level: 9-12
Summary:
The Golden Compass opens shrouded in mystery with the main character, Lyra Belacqua and her daemon, Pantalaimon flitting through the hallways of the University where she resides. When she learns that children are being kidnapped, including a good friend of hers, Lyra and Pantalaimon set off on an adventure that brings her up against the greatest evils imaginable.
Use in teaching:
Incorporating The Golden Compass into high school curriculum could be controversial due to the nature of the book. Pullman hints around topics that some people might have objections to which has led the book to be added to banned book lists. This leads to one way The Golden Compass could be used in high school English. Reading the book and having students write an essay on why they agree or disagree on the banning of the book.
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Bookmarks
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2
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Comments
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Plot
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These books consist of a well-developed plot with includes all five
elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling
action, and resolution).
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These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five
elements of plot structure.
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The books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is
missing two of the five elements of plot structure.
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The books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the
reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.
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3 Bookmarks: The Golden Compass has an excellent
plot structure that contains all aspects of a good plot structure. The book
ends without a full resolution however this is due to The Golden Compass
being the first in a trilogy.
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Character Development
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These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient
depth and personality.
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Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be
lacking in depth or personality, or believability.
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Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail
needed to have depth and believability.
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Characters are evident but not developed.
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3 Bookmarks:
Pullman does a great job developing the characters in the book as
well as each characters ‘daemon’ which is like an extension of the character’s
soul. Despite the book being fantasy the characters are have believability
and individual personalities.
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Pacing
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The story moves and flows freely and does not feel rushed or too
slow.
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The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of
being to slow or too fast.
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The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.
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The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or
illogical.
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3 Bookmarks: The pacing for The Golden Compass is also well done by Pullman. He is
able to move the plot along so the reader does not get bored while lingering
in places where it is needed.
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Overall
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These are excellent books and are highly recommended.
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These are good books are recommended.
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These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.
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These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.
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3 Bookmarks: The Golden Compass is a book full of twists and turns that will make
it difficult to put down. I highly recommend this book.
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Good summary! Getting the parents on board is always a good idea if you're using a book that can be considered controversial. I really like the idea of having them write a persuasive essay on whether the book should be banned or not. After they wrote about it, they could do an oral debate as well. They would need to thoroughly research the book and back up their opinion with facts.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really good and also very interesting! Part of me likes that it is on the banned books list because it gives it even more interest to it. If someone says something is banned, the first thing they want to do is read/look at it. If parents were on board I think that it would be a great learning opportunity for students.
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