Plot Summary:
Violently orphaned at the age of one, Harry Potter spent the next ten years
being neglected and
abused by his bitter and parsimonious aunt and uncle and
their gluttonous son, Dudley. Then, on the eve of his eleventh birthday, he is
suddenly liberated by a gentle giant on an enchanted motorcycle and whisked
into a life of magic and wonder at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft
and Wizardry.
Used to fending for himself, young Harry adapts remarkably well to the
unexpected news that he is the son of a highly regarded witch and
Wizard and
that it is his destiny to himself become a great wizard. But it quickly becomes
clear that his will not be an easy journey. The dark wizard who murdered his
parents is bent on killing Harry as well.
Story Evaluation:
With its detailed descriptions and colorful narrative, this book’s
target audience will have no trouble grasping its messages. Thanks to
Ms.Rowling’s whimsical prose and never-a-dull-moment approach,
the reader’s interest is irrevocably captured from the very first page.
This book has proven itself to be a valuable addition
to the libraries of children the world over. It has
encouraged countless reluctant readers to venture
into a previously avoided or unattainable arena:
Reading purely for pleasure.
(It should be noted that, in more conservative environments, caregivers may harbor topic-related moral objections.)
Illustration Evaluation:
The cover depicts a frenzied-looking Harry with hair mussed, glasses askew,
limbs flailing and cape waving behind him as he flies through a narrow stone
archway on a broomstick. Portions of a forest, a unicorn, a three-headed dog
and a castle can be seen in the background.
Ms. Grandpre’s engaging depiction does justice to the flying-by-the-seat-of-
his-pants way in which Harry embraces his exciting new life and all the
bizarre creatures and situations it entails.
Moral of the Story:
It is possible for one to overcome tragedy and repression and go on to
become a powerful force for
good. The idea that good will triumph over
evil is ultimately fulfilled in the book’s climactic ending.