| The debut of the phenomenal "children's" series about an English boy who, on his eleventh birthday, discovers his parents were wizards killed when he was one, and that he is destined to attend Hogwarts School and become a great wizard (although it's a seven-year course and the events of each year will take a separate book to relate). The characters are various and imaginative, the plot suitably gripping, and there is plenty of humor -- broad for kids and a few subtle things for older readers. You'll learn about a wizard sport called Quidditch, and some of the odd magical creatures that supposedly operate under the noses of Muggles (regular, un-magical folks like you and me). Read it to your kids ... or to your spouse, as I did. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - very upbeat FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - part earth & part fantasy world Coming of age Yes Youngster becomes - a powerful magician Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14) Descript. of chases or violence - 30 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 30 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - a kid Main Adversary Identity: - magical being Age: - long-lived adults Profession/status: Has magical powers? Yes Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can cast all sorts of spells How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - almost none How sensitive is this character? Setting Terrain Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment scientific jargon? (SF only) - none/very little science jargon needed How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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