Here's what I consider to be a classic series that you all really should read...

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Phillip Pullman - one of the classic child / teen series in the genre of sci-fi / fantasy. The trilogy opens up in the parallel world of Jordon College (our equivalent of Oxford). Living in the hallowed halls is 12-years old Lyra Belacqua, ward of the Master of Jordon College. One fateful afternoon Lyra, hiding in a closet in the Master's private sitting room, witnesses someone pour poison into a wine intended for her uncle, Lord Asriel, who has come to Jordon to show the scholars of the school an incredible discovery he has made. After having his life saved by the vigilant Lyra, Asriel soon departs leaving behind a miserable Lyra who wants to go with her uncle on his adventures. At this time rumors are spreading from town to town of children being kidnapped, by the so-called "Gobblers." This doesn't seem to worry Lyra overmuch, until one night when her best friend, Roger, is also taken by the Gobblers. Subsequently, Lyra starts a journey to the North to retrieve her friend and thwart the evil plans of the Magisteriate, the organization behind the vicious kidnappings. This, however, doesn't simply remain a rescue mission, but sets into a motion a prophecy in which Lyra is a key figure. Frought with peril, danger, and meetings with pirates and talking polar bears this is a great tale of adventure and self-discovery. The first book starts off as a single tale but is only the beginning of something much more epic that pans out in the last two books. Warning: this is an extremely Anti-Christian series, what is often considered a response to the very Pro-Christian Chronicles of Narnia, so if that's going to offend your sensibilities I would exercize caution. It can be enjoyed as simply a tale of fantasy ficton, but, in my opinion the story is also enhanced by the religious allegories and theological substance of the tale, which is why it's great for both children and adults. I highly recommend it because it's a series that requires more thinking, and still remains very gripping and suspensful. I would also recommend buying all three books at the same time because of the cliffhangers - the format is more like one long story chopped up into three parts, and each book picks up right where the previous left off.

***** 5 stars!

Trilogy Includes:
1. The Golden Compass
2. The Subtle Knife
3. The Amber Spyglass