Rick Riordan's Lightning Thief ... soon to be a movie!

This book is lots of fun!  Think Harry Potter meets the Greek gods in 21st century USA. There's magic, monsters, a very unique school, special friends, and an ancient evil drawing an unsuspecting teen in to an ancient strife. Movie out in February, 2011.

Philip Pullman and The Golden Compass

Over the years, Horn Book Magazine has published articles by Pullman as well as interviews with him. Click on the link to read these resources. See especially Pullman’s fascinating 2001 article, "The Republic of Heaven" in which he writes:
"… we must find a way of believing that we are not subservient creatures dependent on the whim of some celestial monarch, but free citizens of the republic of Heaven … And I think I can see glimpses of such a republic in books that children read…"

All that Glitters is not Gold

Hollywood brings two popular children's books to the "silver screen":

The Dark is Rising ... set in contemporary America? Read Susan Cooper's thoughts about significant changes made to her book as it is adapted to the screen.

Philip Pullman comments (very politely) on the watering down of his powerful commentary about religious authority and control in the The Golden Compass.