What Philip Pullman book is for a twelve year old?

For a twelve-year-old, the most obvious and highly recommended Philip Pullman book is "The Northern Lights" (also known as "The Golden Compass"). This is the first book in the His Dark Materials trilogy, and it's a fantastic introduction to Pullman's world of parallel universes, talking animals, and complex theological themes.

Here's why it's a good choice:

* Exciting Adventure: The book is full of action, danger, and mystery, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats.

* Intriguing Characters: Lyra Belacqua, the main character, is a strong, intelligent, and resourceful young girl who you'll root for throughout the story.

* Thought-Provoking Themes: While the book is fun and exciting, it also explores ideas about free will, religion, and the nature of good and evil. This makes it a book that can be enjoyed on multiple levels.

Other options:

* "The Book of Dust" trilogy: While this series is newer, it's set in the same universe as "His Dark Materials" and features many of the same themes, although it's aimed at a slightly older audience (teens and adults).

* "The Salmon of Doubt": This collection of essays and short stories by Pullman offers a glimpse into his thoughts and writing style, and it could be interesting for a twelve-year-old who enjoys reading about creative process.

Keep in mind: "His Dark Materials" does involve some potentially challenging themes, such as death and religious conflict. It's always a good idea to preview the book before letting a child read it to make sure it's appropriate for their age and maturity level.