 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- By J. K. Rowling
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Potter sequel is a creature-packed page-turner.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this exciting fantasy may motivate 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 they survive. Harry and his best friends Ron and Hermione may partake in plenty of rule-breaking at school but they are great role models; fierce and loyal friends 'til the end and willing to do whatever it takes to save their fellow students. Parents who want to learn more about the series (and spin-off movies and games) can read our Harry Potter by Age and Stage article.
What's the story?
Stuck with awful relatives for the summer, Harry is relieved to be rescued by his friend, Ron, and Ron's brothers in a flying car. Back at Hogwarts, Harry discovers that the legendary Chamber of Secrets has been opened by the mysterious Heir of Slytherin, releasing a monster who prowls the halls of the school turning mudbloods (those with non-magic parents) to stone. Suspicion soon falls on Harry, who bears more than a passing similarity to Slytherin, including being a Parseltongue (one with the ability to converse with snakes). But Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, have even more reasons to try to track down the real Heir and stop the monster: Ron's little sister has disappeared, and Harry's friend, the gamekeeper Hagrid, may be more involved than he's letting on.
Is it any good?
Though the formula is similar to the first book, this well-written, exciting sequel keeps kids glued to the page. It breaks no new ground in the series, but the plot is a riveting thrill ride filled with 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. J.K. Rowling excels at twists, turns, and surprises, and many will find the identity of the person who opened the Chamber a complete surprise.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about year two at Hogwarts. How is this book different from the first in the series? It's often considered many fans' least favorite Harry Potter book (and movie). Why do you think that is? What could have made the book stand out as one of your favorites? What draws you into your favorite stories?
Before the last books in the series were published, J. K. Rowling said that this book held a big clue to the plot of the finale. Do you know what that clue is? Is it fun to guess what direction the series will go?
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Kid, 9 years old
May 7, 2011
AGE
13+
SCARY!...but good
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AGE
Good!
Great but there are a couple of logic holes that become easy to put-aside!
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Kid, 12 years old
April 19, 2011
AGE
APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES!!!
I have read some of it and nothing is wrong with this book!
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AGE
Excellent book for age 8 and up!
This book is very good for children who are 8 and older. Strong friendships and loyalties are represented throughout the novel. There are a few passages which may frighten some children since they contain a giant spider and a giant snake. There is some blood and violence surrounding the snake, too. It is relatively mild, though. I recommend reading the book first before allowing your child to read it in case your child is squeamish about blood/mild violence. That being said, I have a six year old who will be allowed to read it in a year or two. I think overall it is an excellent book with good themes.
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AGE
Definitely not as good as book one; much more violent
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Kid, 12 years old
January 22, 2011
AGE
I love this book and it is very exciting and full of mystery.
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Kid, 8 years old
August 8, 2011
AGE
Really, my favorite!
i am 8 years old and have read up to the third book. and by far this book is my favorite - the ending is a bit more creepy than the first book,a little sad too.i might not watch the movie though.
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AGE
You should love it.
Wanna another great review? Well, here it is! "Chamber of Secrets" combines magic, fantasy, animals, beauty, love, and friendship all in one. If you're looking for a good read, here's your book!!! Nothing to worry about, even less worrisome that the first!!! Only thing is that the book is a bit too violent and it's not as good as the first.
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AGE
BEST THAN FIRST ONE
this book is AWESOME better tah the first with realy great role models and an exciting story. this book highly point is violence but nothing realy bad. and tense chapters is the most. but GREAT
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AGE
bit scarier than the first..
For the first Harry potter if your 7 you will like it for THIS one it gets a bit scarier so probably 8 is a better age when they should watch it! I LOVE HARRY POTTER!!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Author: | J. K. Rowling |
| Illustrator: | Mary Grandpre |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | June 20, 1999 |
| Number of pages: | 341 |
| Paperback price: | $19.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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