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.

Release details

1987, UK Heinemann Young Books, Pub date 1 September 1987, hardback
1987, UK Heinemann Young Books, 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.