Teens Have Their Say: Harry Potter Books

Here's what Duluth area readers THINK about the Harry Potter books.

See what they have to say about other books, movies and CDs

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Want to read these yourself? Check the Library Catalog, place a hold, and start reading!

Reviews are published in your own words but some spelling may be corrected.
If you haven't read them, be careful - there may be some spoilers!

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches.

This book was so easy to get into! It had twists and turns that you would never expect! A great read. J.K. Rowling incorporates adventure, mystery and fun into this novel. I felt like I was right next to Harry, right in the book itself! Definitely read this book - you'll love it!
Rachel E., age: 15

It was very predictable and had way too many plots with way too much exposition. However, it was entertaining and fun to read.
Kristine L., age: 17

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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

When the Chamber of Secrets is opened again at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, second-year student Harry Potter finds himself in danger from a dark power that has once more been released on the school.

This is one of the greatest sequels I have ever read. The adventures that Harry goes on keep getting better and better! I can't wait to read the next one.
Rachel E., age: 15

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

During his third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths.

Besides the fact that all the Harry Potter books are amazing, this one introduces even more characters and lets Harry find out a little more about his parents. Plus the Quidditch scenes are awesome.
Sam H., age: 16

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

When Harry's name is slipped into the Goblet of Fire, he must compete in a deadly tournament.

It was action packed and filled with excitement. If you don't like fantasy or magic, you shouldn't read this. If you are 9 or younger, I don't think you should read this because it's violent and somebody dies. I recommend this book to people who like action and magic.
Claire F., age: 12

Check the Library Catalog
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

When the government of the magic world and authorities at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry refuse to believe in the growing threat of a freshly revived Lord Voldemort, fifteen-year-old Harry Potter finds support from his loyal friends in facing the evil wizard and other new terrors.

Every page you turn gets you deeper and deeply hooked on this book. With an exciting plot that never runs dry it's hard to set it down. In the book Harry, Ron and Hermione run into a nasty defense against the dark arts teacher and they have to break rules to outsmart her.
Kirsi K., age: 12

It was adventurous and exciting. I gave thumbs down because Harry gets angry a lot. When they battle the Dead Eaters is cool. It's sad that Sirius dies. This is for kids 10 and older unless with a parent.
Claire F., age: 12

This book is full of adventure and mystery. Once again the Hogwarts cast is back and they've got tons to do. They've got a new teacher who has turned the school upside down. You should read this book if you have an eye for mystery and suspense. I know I loved it!
Kali G., age: 12

This book is about Harry Potter. He is learning from Dumbledore how Lord Voldemort can be beaten. He worries about Quidditch and falls in love with Ginny.
Daniel O., age: 12

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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in an atmosphere of uncertainty, as the magical world begins to face the fact that the evil wizard Voldemort is alive and active once again, and Harry searches for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort.

It was gripping, entertaining and well-written. I read the whole book in four sittings because I couldn't put it down! Rowling's style of writing captures the characters' emotions as well as entertains.
Eliza G., age: 16

This book has a little bit of something for everyone. The clever combination of mystery, action, comedy and romance makes it the ideal book. It grabs your attention and keeps you on the edge of your seats until the last sentence. After reading this book, you won't be able to wait to get your hands on the next in the series.
Katie A., age: 14

This book is about Harry Potter. He is trying to find Voldemort's weakness with Dumbledore. He also falls in love with Ginny.
Daniel O., age: 12

Check the Library Catalog
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
By: J.K. Rowling
Juv Fic SF

In their last year at Hogwarts Harry and his friends join the Order of the Phoenix in its battle against Voldemort and his forces.

J.K. Rowling finishes off the series perfectly. Harry, Ron and Hermione travel together in search of the Horcruxes. They are separated and brought together, help others and are given help. It all ends in a stunning climax and leaves you feeling good and satisfied with the Harry Potter books.
Katie A., age: 14

This was a phenomenal finish to a fabulous fantasy series. This book is about Harry, Ron and Hermione as they hunt down Horcruxes to try and beat Lord Voldemort (You-Know-Who) and his followers. Without giving too much away, I'll just say this: it made me laugh and cry and sometimes I gripped the book so hard, there are probably nailmarks. I recommend this book to those who like great fantasy novels and have read and enjoyed all the Harry Potter books.
Emma V., age: 12

It was my personal favorite of the series. There were so many twists and surprises with every page turn! The author really did a brilliant job of interlinking all the books. A must-read for everyone that wishes there was a little more magic in their lives!
Amy L., age: 17

The final entry in the Harry Potter series lives up to the hype and delivers an exciting reading experience from start to finish. If you've read the first six books, the plot should be familiar. Harry starts this book on the run from Voldemort and his followers while trying to find the remaining Horcruxes that keep Voldemort from dying. I won't reveal the ending, but I can say that it was very satisfying. If you enjoyed the first six, you've probably read it by now. If you're new to the series, however, the other books should be read first so that this great book can be thoroughly enjoyed.
Max W., age: 15

The story was a real page-turner. There was definitely no way to put it down. J.K. Rowling has created a book that is categorized under fantasy but really has bits from almost every genre! I loved this exciting story and definitely recommend it!
Victoria N., age: 12

I loved it. It was gripping and made me keep turning the pages until I was finished. Harry, Ron and Hermione are bonding and breaking apart over the mission Dumbledore left to Harry. I'm only sad there are no more books!
Eliza G., age: 16

This was by far the best book in the series and an excellent closure. Ron, Harry & Hermione die searching for Horcruxes. The only problem is....well, you have to read the book yourself to find out.
Daniel O., age: 12

For those fans of Harry Potter, the final book of the series was a thrilling time. A lot of fans read it out that day, while others, like myself, started it and read it in a whole day. The book itself was confusing at times, but a beautiful story that depicts good and evil. With the death of Hedwig to the epilogue, I was forever gripping the book, waiting to see "what will happen?"
I cried at Hedwig, Dobby, Lupin, Tonks and Fred. The book was moving, frightening, sad and happy all at the same time. The story will forever be in my heart, those books will live on.
Margaret S., age: 12

Reviews are published in your own words but some spelling may be corrected. Reviews may be edited for length.

Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School for Wizards and Witches. This book was so easy to get into! It had twists and turns that you would never expect! A great read. J.K. Rowling incorporates adventure, mystery and fun into this novel. I felt like I was right next to Harry, right in the book itself! Definitely read this book - you'll love it! Rachel E., age: 15 It was very predictable and had way too many plots with way too much exposition. However, it was entertaining and fun to read. Kristine L., age: 17
Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF When the Chamber of Secrets is opened again at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, second-year student Harry Potter finds himself in danger from a dark power that has once more been released on the school. This is one of the greatest sequels I have ever read. The adventures that Harry goes on keep getting better and better! I can't wait to read the next one. Rachel E., age: 15
Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF During his third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths. Besides the fact that all the Harry Potter books are amazing, this one introduces even more characters and lets Harry find out a little more about his parents. Plus the Quidditch scenes are awesome. Sam H., age: 16
Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF When Harry's name is slipped into the Goblet of Fire, he must compete in a deadly tournament. It was action packed and filled with excitement. If you don't like fantasy or magic, you shouldn't read this. If you are 9 or younger, I don't think you should read this because it's violent and somebody dies. I recommend this book to people who like action and magic. Claire F., age: 12
Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF When the government of the magic world and authorities at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry refuse to believe in the growing threat of a freshly revived Lord Voldemort, fifteen-year-old Harry Potter finds support from his loyal friends in facing the evil wizard and other new terrors. Every page you turn gets you deeper and deeply hooked on this book. With an exciting plot that never runs dry it's hard to set it down. In the book Harry, Ron and Hermione run into a nasty defense against the dark arts teacher and they have to break rules to outsmart her. Kirsi K., age: 12 It was adventurous and exciting. I gave thumbs down because Harry gets angry a lot. When they battle the Dead Eaters is cool. It's sad that Sirius dies. This is for kids 10 and older unless with a parent. Claire F., age: 12 This book is full of adventure and mystery. Once again the Hogwarts cast is back and they've got tons to do. They've got a new teacher who has turned the school upside down. You should read this book if you have an eye for mystery and suspense. I know I loved it! Kali G., age: 12 This book is about Harry Potter. He is learning from Dumbledore how Lord Voldemort can be beaten. He worries about Quidditch and falls in love with Ginny. Daniel O., age: 12
Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in an atmosphere of uncertainty, as the magical world begins to face the fact that the evil wizard Voldemort is alive and active once again, and Harry searches for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort. It was gripping, entertaining and well-written. I read the whole book in four sittings because I couldn't put it down! Rowling's style of writing captures the characters' emotions as well as entertains. Eliza G., age: 16 This book has a little bit of something for everyone. The clever combination of mystery, action, comedy and romance makes it the ideal book. It grabs your attention and keeps you on the edge of your seats until the last sentence. After reading this book, you won't be able to wait to get your hands on the next in the series. Katie A., age: 14 This book is about Harry Potter. He is trying to find Voldemort's weakness with Dumbledore. He also falls in love with Ginny. Daniel O., age: 12
Check the Library Catalog	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows By: J.K. Rowling Juv Fic SF In their last year at Hogwarts Harry and his friends join the Order of the Phoenix in its battle against Voldemort and his forces. J.K. Rowling finishes off the series perfectly. Harry, Ron and Hermione travel together in search of the Horcruxes. They are separated and brought together, help others and are given help. It all ends in a stunning climax and leaves you feeling good and satisfied with the Harry Potter books. Katie A., age: 14 This was a phenomenal finish to a fabulous fantasy series. This book is about Harry, Ron and Hermione as they hunt down Horcruxes to try and beat Lord Voldemort (You-Know-Who) and his followers. Without giving too much away, I'll just say this: it made me laugh and cry and sometimes I gripped the book so hard, there are probably nailmarks. I recommend this book to those who like great fantasy novels and have read and enjoyed all the Harry Potter books. Emma V., age: 12 It was my personal favorite of the series. There were so many twists and surprises with every page turn! The author really did a brilliant job of interlinking all the books. A must-read for everyone that wishes there was a little more magic in their lives! Amy L., age: 17 The final entry in the Harry Potter series lives up to the hype and delivers an exciting reading experience from start to finish. If you've read the first six books, the plot should be familiar. Harry starts this book on the run from Voldemort and his followers while trying to find the remaining Horcruxes that keep Voldemort from dying. I won't reveal the ending, but I can say that it was very satisfying. If you enjoyed the first six, you've probably read it by now. If you're new to the series, however, the other books should be read first so that this great book can be thoroughly enjoyed. Max W., age: 15 The story was a real page-turner. There was definitely no way to put it down. J.K. Rowling has created a book that is categorized under fantasy but really has bits from almost every genre! I loved this exciting story and definitely recommend it! Victoria N., age: 12 I loved it. It was gripping and made me keep turning the pages until I was finished. Harry, Ron and Hermione are bonding and breaking apart over the mission Dumbledore left to Harry. I'm only sad there are no more books! Eliza G., age: 16 This was by far the best book in the series and an excellent closure. Ron, Harry & Hermione die searching for Horcruxes. The only problem is....well, you have to read the book yourself to find out. Daniel O., age: 12 For those fans of Harry Potter, the final book of the series was a thrilling time. A lot of fans read it out that day, while others, like myself, started it and read it in a whole day. The book itself was confusing at times, but a beautiful story that depicts good and evil. With the death of Hedwig to the epilogue, I was forever gripping the book, waiting to see "what will happen?" I cried at Hedwig, Dobby, Lupin, Tonks and Fred. The book was moving, frightening, sad and happy all at the same time. The story will forever be in my heart, those books will live on. Margaret S., age: 12

8/27/07 Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802

8/27/07
Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802