Philip Pullman's fantasy novel, which spawned a hit 2007 movie, was removed from Calgary Catholic School District schools two months ago, amid complaints the book was highly critical of organized religion, the Calgary Herald reported Thursday.

After reviewing the book, however, school board officials decided to use its themes as a teaching opportunity, the newspaper said.

"There is no doubt that the text is harsh in terms of its language about organized religion and that it presents a consistently negative view of church, clergy and faith-based institutions; however, there are glimpses of light with opportunities for positive reflection," the board said in its review of the novel.