Book Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
Rated by 4 members
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that though similar to book one, this
well-written, exciting sequel keeps kids glued to the page.
Illustrations are clever but minimal. This story motivates
children to tackle its greater length and complexity and play
imaginative games. The young heroes find themselves in many
tense situations: in a flying car, surrounded by giant spiders,
and facing a giant serpent with Medusa-like abilities. Two
characters are near death in the book's climax, but
survive.
Families can talk about year two at Hogwarts and what Harry learns about himself. What traits are helping him become a hero figure? Why must he face is enemy alone? What do we find out about the diary later in the series that makes it so important?
Common Sense Media Review
Though similar to book one, this well-written, exciting
sequel keeps kids glued to the page.
The author revels in the details of Hogwarts, a boarding school populated by ghosts and monsters, as well as the usual living inhabitants. Classes in the various branches of magic are taught by a cast of teachers who can be described -- to put it mildly -- as eccentric.
Though it breaks no new ground in the series, the plot is a riveting thrill ride, involving giant man-eating spiders, a ghost who lurks in the girls' bathroom, secret underground vaults, time travel, magical-transformation potions, the near death of several major and minor characters, and a climactic confrontation with the greatest evil wizard of them all, Voldemort. Rowling excels at twists, turns, and surprises, and many will find the identity of the person who opened the Chamber a complete surprise.
Combining classic elements of fantasy (a magical battle between good versus evil), adventure (children in mortal danger save the day when the adults can't), and mystery (a hidden evil prowls the stone halls of an ancient castle, picking off the residents one by one), the Harry Potter series appeals to a wide variety of children, and awakens their fantasy lives. When the story was read to one third-grade class, they played Harry Potter at recess for weeks afterward. Of all of Harry's magical powers, his ability to pull children and adults into another world is the most precious.
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