 | 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 Goblet of Fire
- By J. K. Rowling
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Fourth Potter has brilliant plotting -- and dragons.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
After attending the Quidditch World Cup, where Voldemort's followers, the Death Eaters, cause a riot, Harry heads to Hogwarts for his fourth year of wizard study. There, Headmaster Dumbledore announces that instead of the usual interhouse Quidditch matches, Hogwarts will host the Triwizard Tournament. This competition between the great wizard schools of Europe has not been held for centuries because of the high death toll. The magic Goblet of Fire chooses one champion to represent each school, but somehow Harry is also chosen, even though he is underage and Hogwarts already has a champion. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, suspects that this is another plot against Harry's life. As Voldemort is returning to his full power, and complex and deadly schemes are in motion, few people are who they seem to be, and even Dumbledore's protection may not be enough to keep Harry safe this time.
Is it any good?
J. K. Rowling is one of the great masters of plotting. Throughout the incredible length of this novel the pace only flags once. Once again the story seems to go in a dozen directions at first, with many seemingly unrelated characters and events, but hardly a word is wasted -- all comes together in a heart-pounding series of climaxes that are breathtaking, brutal, and, at times, moving.
Rowling makes some powerful statements about fairness and diversity, the nature of courage, and friendship. Children ages 8 to 10 who loved the first three books will find this one tougher going -- not just for its length but also for the convoluted plot, un-translated British vocabulary, and some horrific and deadly scenes that may concern parents. Older readers will love the satires on politics, the media, and professional sports. And the heroes' entrances into adolescence -- tentative, funny, and very real -- will have readers squirming in sympathy.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what they saw coming and what was a surprise. Many kids say this book is their favorite in the series -- if so, why? If not, which book wins out?
Before it came out in 2000, the author warned her young fans that someone will be murdered in the book. For sensitive readers, is it a help to know ahead of time that an upsetting event is coming?
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
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!
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Kid, 9 years old
May 7, 2011
AGE
15+
SCARY! But good...
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AGE
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.
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AGE
Ultimate
More language, violence, and some mild flirting.
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Kid, 12 years old
February 11, 2011
AGE
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!
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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: | July 8, 2000 |
| Number of pages: | 734 |
| Hardcover price: | $29.99 |
| Paperback price: | $8.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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