Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (by J. K. Rowling)
common sense media says
Fourth Potter has brilliant plotting -- and dragons.
parents & educators say
- 33% say violence is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that brilliant plotting and pacing and increasingly rich characterizations will keep kids enthralled. Kids will be upset when a teen character dies, and sensitive readers may have trouble with the idea of a hand being severed and Harry's capture and torture. Since the characters are 14, they're starting to notice the opposite sex; J.K. Rowling handles this well. This fourth book in the series keeps the positive messages of friendship and loyalty going strong. 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.
Educational value:
J. K. Rowling borrows from many established stories and myths to piece together her magical world. Kids can look up more about dragons, mermaids, flying brooms, magic wands, etc., compare the author's take with other interpretations, and think about how and why she weaves these magical elements and beings into her stories. See the "Families Can Talk about" section for more discussion ideas.
Positive role models:
Harry faces many big challenges bravely in this book -- dragons on up to Voldemort. He has good mentors in his godfather, Sirius, and Dumbledore; Hermione and Ron are mostly supportive, though it takes a while for Ron to get over his jealousy of Harry. Hermione becomes an activist for house-elf rights and sticks with it despite her lack of support. Despite some adults trying to lead the Triwizard competitors astray, Harry always shows sportsmanlike conduct -- fair play is very important to him.
Violence:
Four (bloodless) murders and a self-mutilation. The murder of one of the teen characters is the most disturbing. Harry is captured and tortured -- blood is drawn. Harry and other school champions are also in mortal danger with the tasks they perform for the Triwizard Tournament. Dragons breathe fire at them and creatures attack underwater.
Sex:
The boys and girls are starting to notice each other in a new way, but there are only mild flirtations. Some students are caught "snogging" in the bushes after the Yule Ball.
Language:
"Bloody hell," "piss off," and similar light curses, plus a few uses of "damn."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Madame Maxime's horses only drink single-malt whiskey. Students drink butterbeer -- a magical-world drink with a pinch of alcohol.
More on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
FantasyFiend12
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
This book holds an excellent fantasy novel that really any age can enjoy. I've reread it so much and can never get over Rowling's genius imagination.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Withoutmele
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Many stories have striven to catch the minds of its readers, or its listeners for that matter. From the beginning of time people have made daring attempts at concocting amusing and diverting tales, but J.K. Rowling has spun a most convincing story. Since the introduction of Harry Potter to the public, thousands upon thousands, undoubtedly millions, of every race, age, and religion, have fallen under his spell. After reading the fourth, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Finished it in less than three days; I couldn't put it down!), I have to let it be know that Ms. Rowling does not disappoint. As every preceding Potter book starts off, the newest is no different: Harry is staying with his insufferable relatives, the Dursleys. And as always, he has found a new, more creative and exciting means of shortening his summer stay with his Aunt, Uncle, and cousin. Trouble invariably manages to find Harry, even at his seemingly secure refuge. Lord Volde-- oh, goodness, excuse me!-- he-who-must-not-be-named is at his strongest, and Harry is facing greater risk than ever before. This is Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts, and he is now fourteen years old. So along with life-threatening situations, almost losing a best friend, meeting new foes, dealing with old ones- namely Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy, and managing to get most of his homework done, Potter must also deal with the anguish and misery of being a teenager. Take it from me managing all this while being a teen is not easy! I recommend this novel to people who enjoy science fictional books with a little bit of comedy and mystery. This book it so well written that a reader of almost any age can pick up on it. All in all this was a good book and I loved reading it, if you enjoyed my review please consider reading the book, I guarantee you will not regret it.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
noveleater
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
If your child read the first three, they can most likely be able to read this with out any troubles.
Loved it! This fourth novel in a seven part series is the best yet. The plot is pretty much about a secret event that is happening at Hogwarts for Harry's fourth year at the magical school, that involves two other schools coming to live with Hogwarts. J. K. Rowling is an amazing writer, and keeps the pages coming even though it is a 700 + page book, the longest yet! There are some pretty creepy scenes, like the first chapter, and I would explain to your young reader that this book is fiction, and explain to them the difference of fact and fiction. If your child enjoyed the first three books, I wouldn't be too worried about the content in this one. The sexual behavior isn't bad, except scenes with flirtations, kissing, or snogging, as used in the book. This one, and main character dies in one of the most heart- breaking scenes ever, and with a beautiful funeral for him, or her. There is a amazing twist in the end, and it left me wanting to read the next one, but I'm pretty nervous about reading it, being wicked long, longer than this one! There are some good scenes that show Ron's loyalty, and Hermione's bragging personality. The language is a little strong including a few D words, P***, and bloody hell. Which Ron is the one the mostly swears. Harry grows amazingly, and with him Rowling grows as a writer. The books are perfect without any words being wasted. I loved it and I would let my ten year old read it. Enjoy!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
MeggieF
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
One of my favorites!
One of my favorites!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Friendsandfads
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Great Book! Keeps you interested!
I am reading the whole series. From what I can see, it's a very adventurous series, and had a positive message. It does have your basic swearing and violence but if you can trust your kids not to use that kind of language then it should be fine. Everybody makes their own choices and a couple of my friends aren' t allowed to read it and that's fine...it's whatever you feel is right for your child! I feel it's appropriate for kids ages 9+ because I don't know if kids under 9 are exacly ready, but as I said, it's whatever your decision is. It has violence in it, but not brutal and gruesome. And it also has a little bit a language throughout the whole series, but just your basic swear words, no strong language. It also does have a part where a boy is taking a bath and a ghost walks in on him, and he gets a bit embarrassed, but they don't talk about anything "sexual." Thanks and I hope this review helped!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
KinbJune
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
As all the other books by J.K. Rowling that are successful, this one is no exception. Harry now finds himself thrust into w world of dangerous tasks, challenged friendships, and corrupted dopplegangers. And at the end of his term, he may find out something very shocking, something that not only the wizarding world would dread. This is a very good book, and at the end when you are able to out two and two together, the book really explains EVERYTHING. If you're looking for a book to read, then this is your book, and I assure you that you will never regret it.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
rebma97
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Despite its length, this is a very engrossing book. Since the characters are older, though, there's more mature themed; violence is more disturbing. There is some mention of blood. In one scene, a teen dies (SPOILER: I didn't think it was nessisaru to kill Cedric off, but that's just my opinion), and there is a duel at the end. As far as sex, there are some crushes. There's also a ball with couples. Language is a bit more than usual; words like d-mn and h-ll are used. Also, the Hogwarts students drink butterbeer. But other than that, the Goblet of Fire is a great countinual to the wonderful Harry Potter series.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
ZWolf
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
a good book for your avid readers parents
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
imasian101
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
I really like the book because of all the suspense and excitement.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
SumrJo
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Ultimate
More language, violence, and some mild flirting.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Kelsey Potter
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
BEST.BOOK.MY.EYES.HAVE.EVER.LAYED.APON! :D
When I first started reading it I got bored as hell!! I felt like giving up because it was 2 long. I hate 2 read. "Never have and----" this book changed the part where I'm supposed 2 say "---never will!" I finished this book in about 2 weeks. I have 2 say that this book was is a complete must read. I cant even imagine my life if i hadnt read that book! I've read HP1 HP2 HP3 HP4 and im on p.400 in HP5. I am in LOVEEEEE!!!!!! Fleur Delacour has 2 be the best caracter yet:) lol Im gunna b her 4 halloween!! :D lol!! Unfortunatly, there is a bad part... Cedric Diggory dies!! D: haha played by Robert Parrinson (Edward Cullen-Twilight Saga) He is a super cutie pie!!(: I am in love with this book. seriously-----READ IT!!!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
HarryPotterand ...
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
Scary, with some monsters.
Plot. That's the first thing that came to my mind. Never once did I see in this amazing story a flaw. This book will, no doubt, make you cry your eyes out. Want a book with lessons? Here's one about friendship, diversity, and being judgmental. It's a harder read, yeah. It's got some language. But, all in all, it's great. If you're older, you'll understand. That's why it's 10+. There is a death scene, but you'll get over it. It's sad, yeah. But there's been sadder. You will cry. My only warning.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
hpfan1997
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
good book
...good book
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
J-Yo
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Wonderfully Magical
This book is packed with beautiful imagery, imagination, intricate plotting, intriguing story, satisfying action, and life-impacting lessons. Some pieces may be too scary or inappropriate for younger children, but it's so filled with positive messages that kids might be able to get over those parts. It's a magical story for anyone.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Ignotus_Peverell
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Thrilling!
J.K Rowling writes the first thriller of the series!
Twists and turns and mazes and lakes complete Goblet of Fire!
When you're done, you'll feel like a 'TriWizard Champ!'!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Miranda ...
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
HARRY POTTER ROCKS THE WORLD!!!
Totally appropriate for all ages!!! Harry potter never goes upside-down. He has the best books ever!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
Jeusus-Christ ...
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
I love harry potter.
I am reading this book right now, I love it!
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already read it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
