The Book of Dust by Phillip Pullman
Bibliography: Pullman, P. (2017).BOOK OF DUST (FIRST EDITION). Alfred A. Knopf.
ISBN:978-0375815300
Plot Summary:
Malcolm Polstead and his daemon, Asta, are used to overhearing news and the occasional scandal at the inn run by his family. But during a winter of unceasing rain, Malcolm finds a mysterious object—and finds himself in grave danger.Inside the object is a cryptic message about something called Dust; and it’s not long before Malcolm is approached by the spy for whom this message was actually intended. When she asks Malcolm to keep his eyes open, he begins to notice suspicious characters everywhere: the explorer Lord Asriel, clearly on the run; enforcement agents from the Magisterium; a gyptian named Coram with warnings just for Malcolm; and a beautiful woman with an evil monkey for a daemon. All are asking about the same thing: a girl—just a baby—named Lyra. Lyra is at the center of a storm, and Malcolm will brave any peril, and make shocking sacrifices, to bring her safely through it.
Critical Analysis:
Pullman writes this prequel, a sort of a spy novel, describing the characters in such depth and providing just the right amount of bait to make the reader want to keep reading. Pullman adds fantasy-like elements within the story that involve animal-like creatures, witches, and magic to give the reader’s imagination a little more to play with. The story introduces Malcolm and his demon, Asta, who discovers a baby named Lyra. Lyra is one of the main characters and protagonist of the story. Darkness surrounds and is a part of the characters, especially everything that the character Alice endures. Pullman surely carries the reader into this surrealistic world. Reading this selection will pique the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to continue reading the next book of this series. This book definitely would be recommended for an older audience due to the language and some violence.
Review Excerpt(s):
"Magisterial storytelling will sweep readers along; the cast is as vividly drawn as ever; and big themes running beneath the surface invite profound responses and reflection." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Luminous prose, heady philosophical questions, and a lovable protagonist combine with a gripping plot sure to enchant fans and newcomers alike." —SLJ, starred review
"Pullman demonstrates that his talent for world building hasn’t diminished, nor has his ability to draw young characters—here, Malcolm, who is layered enough to carry an adventure through multiple dimensions." —Booklist, starred review
Connection:
*Students can analyze the many different elements of the book's cover art in order to deepen their understanding of the connection between the work's themes and the cover art that is chosen to underscore these themes.
*Students can conduct research about the real locations described in the text, such as the River Thames.
Other similar books:
ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE NORTH by: Philip Pullman ISBN:978-0857535665
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