From: steven engelfried <stevene>
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 11:06:55 -0700

I just re-read the first two "His Dark Materials" books in anticipation of the third coming out soon and found myself comparing Harry and Lyra. Like Harry, Lyra is an orphan (parents alive, but unknown at first, then absent), though her foster family of Oxford professors are far preferable to the Dursleys. Some grownups know she is destined to be important, but Lyra only discovers this herself as she approaches her teens, as Harry does. And both kids are often uncomfortable with the burdens of their destinies, but plunge forward anyway. Lyra has powers that she gradually discovers, though hers are more limited than Harry's wizardry. She's helped by many adults (and one armored bear), sort of standing in as parent figures. Like Harry, though, she earns the loyalty of these grown-ups; Dumbledore has true respect for Harry, he doesn't just aid him because of who he is, while it's Lyra's fierce determination that forges her relationships with the gypsy leaders and with the armored bear. In most ways these two wonderful series are very different, but both authors have created truly memorable child heroes. Harry and Lyra are clearly kids, not little grown-ups, though both mature as their stories progress. At the same time they're able to to rise to heroic challenges in totally believable ways.

- Steven Engelfried, Young Adult Librarian
  Deschutes Public Library System, Bend Branch
  601 NW Wall Street Bend, OR 97701
  ph: 541a7p72 fax: 54189)82
  e-mail: stevene at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Wed 20 Sep 2000 01:06:55 PM CDT