I actually found them to be poorly written in that Pullman introduces quite a few story threads at the beginning of the series which are never picked up later on. I am a fan of fantasy fiction, yet this one left me cold. To each his own, I suppose.

I would like to point out that you could have voiced your recommendation and praise of the series without taking a turn toward offending a significant number of people.

Your line: "Perhaps it's because these books may make you think (and question the status quo) that the Halton Catholic District School Board has pulled the trilogy from its schools" seems to suggest that Catholics are incapable of or afraid of thinking independently. That, sir, is offensive. Pullman's books are a not-too-subtle attack on Christianity and particularly the Catholic Church. Therefore that school has every right to object to them in spite of your witticism that Catholics are institutionalized zombies of group think. Bad form, Harold. I'm disappointed.