Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 23, 2026

How to Be Cool

How to be Cool is a 1987 novel written by Philip Pullman and intended for older teen readers. The plot revolves around a young man named Jacob who finds out the truth about the sinister plans of the National Cool Board and hits upon an idea to beat them at their own game.

Last revised
Jun 23, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
159 w
Citations
3
Source
How to be Cool
First edition
AuthorPhilip Pullman
LanguageEnglish
PublisherHeinemann
Publication date1 September 1987
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Pages160
ISBN0-434-95781-X

How to be Cool is a 1987 novel written by Philip Pullman and intended for older teen readers. The plot revolves around a young man named Jacob who finds out the truth about the sinister plans of the National Cool Board and hits upon an idea to beat them at their own game.1

Release details

  • 1987, UK Heinemann Young Books (ISBN 0-434-95781-X), Pub date 1 September 1987, hardback (First edition)
  • 1987, UK Heinemann Young Books (ISBN 0-434-95782-8), Pub date 1 September 1987, paperback

Cover illustration & lettering: Martina Farrow

Television adaptation

It was adapted for television in the United Kingdom by Granada Television for ITV, and starred Roger Daltrey and Freddie Jones. Three 50-minute episodes aired between 3–17 December 1988.23

References

References