The Golden Compass

[livewell07]

My daughter is reading the book Amber Spyglass and now I have heard rumors that this serious may not be the best for children or teens. Has anyone else heard anything regarding non appropriate material in this series?

[Melissa_W Moderator]

The series is written for children with at least an upper grade school reading ability. There are topics regarding theology, loyalty, and growing up. The trilogy is titled "His Dark Materials" in reference to John Milton's Paradise Lost. If your daughter is reading The Amber Spyglass, that is the third book in the trilogy (the first two being The Golden Compass (The Northern Lights is the UK title) and The Subtle Knife) so she may be mostly finished with the series.

Only you can be the best judge of a book for your child. You should read it for yourself (And they are very good books)

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livewell07 wrote:
My daughter is reading the book Amber Spyglass and now I have heard rumors that this serious may not be the best for children or teens. Has anyone else heard anything regarding non appropriate material in this series?

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Message Edited by pedsphleb on 11-04-2007 11:31 AM

[HarleyLBennett]

If you have doubts about whether or not the material is suitable for your children, find the time to read the books yourself. That way you can discuss anything that you may find objectionable. You should never forbid the reading of certain books. However, being knowledgeable enough to explain your objections has its advantages. Encourage your children to talk to you about what they read.

[TiggerBear]

If you have doubts about whether or not the material is suitable for your children, find the time to read the books yourself. That way you can discuss anything that you may find objectionable. You should never forbid the reading of certain books. However, being knowledgeable enough to explain your objections has its advantages. Encourage your children to talk to you about what they read.
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Absolutely agree!

I'll be honest with every parent out there. EVERY SINGLE book, movie, musician, ect.. my parents tried to ban I found fascinating as a child and consumed greedily no matter the punishment. But my mom's Dickens forcefeed, well I still can stand him to this day.


Try discussing WHY you think something is wrong with a book. And that means you have to listen to their opinion if you want them to listen to yours.

[jagfkb]

One of our family's favorite book/ book series, our more religious relatives felt that it was herecy to read such material to children. On a whole, the books never mention towards religion or anything, though inbetween the author's lines, an anti-god theory could be read. Infact, I would compare them with The chronicles of Narnia for their excellent characterization and interlocking storylines. They're a very good series, and in no way do I feel children should be censored from readng anything. If they want to read a book, let them. They may ask you som questions about some darker subject matter, but other than that, no.

[dare2bdifferent]

livewell07,

Read the books if you question them. Personally, I think they are very well written, but I will have to say that a friend borrowed them and she is deeply religious and found the whole series very offensive. It's all a matter of taste. Pullman has stated in interviews his very strong views about organized religion and overall, they are less than favorable. If you are concerned about the books, it appears that your daughter has already finished the first two books in the series and maybe you could just talk to her about what she thinks about the books. I would not recommend those books for children under age 14 or 15, but that is just my opinion. I didn't order them for our library (I'm an elementary librarian) as I just didn't think our students could really get much from them. We are a Pre-K -4th grade campus.    Hope it helps some.