This book equals the seventh in content, but the story is much better. The violence is decreased from the seventh, however it is still slightly bloody in parts, but nothing too graphic. The main problem, besides the swearing, is the sexual content, which has peaked at book six: there is frequent kissing, discussions about the other sex, and lots of mild references mixed with romantic humor. But all of it is appropriate for about 12+
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Illustrated by Mary Grandpre)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Powerful penultimate book mines Voldemort's past.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was written by Matt Berman
Parents need to know that, as the series progresses and the characters age, this is less and less aimed at younger children. The violence is more violent, the mood darker, the consequences greater. A major and beloved character is killed, apparently in vain, and the emotional consequences are great.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about fate. Harry and Dumbledore discuss the ways in which we create our own fate. Do you believe in fate? How much control do you believe you have over your own fate?
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More on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Book Summary
Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters, are out in the open now, so much so that Rufus Scrimgeour, the new Minister of Magic, feels it necessary to inform the muggle Prime Minister. Snape is up to no good, Draco has been given an assignment by the Dark Lord, and and a net of security has dropped on Hogwarts. Deaths, disappearances, and destruction increase as Harry's penultimate year at Hogwarts begins.
In between classes Harry learns about Voldemort's past, keeps on eye on Draco and Snape, though no one else believes they have joined the Death Eaters, and falls in love with someone he believes he shouldn't. Even Ron is involved with the opposite sex, much to Hermione's annoyance. And once again, the new teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts knows more than he's telling.
Is It Any Good?
Don't even think of reading HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE without having read its predecessors. As J.K. Rowling begins pulling together the threads and characters from the previous books, even fans may have trouble remembering all the references. Most of the book is spent watching Harry learn -- about Voldemort's past, about new potions and spells, about Snape and Malfoy, and even about Dumbledore. The three heroes squabble and bicker, though Harry seems to have mellowed since his furious rampage through Book 5 -- and there's a lot more kissing.
As the protagonists age, so do the books, growing darker, more violent, more complex, and much more emotional. While young children will still want to read it, and will probably be enthralled, this is clearly aimed at older children. But the series remains compellingly readable, breathlessly suspenseful and exciting, and now powerfully emotional.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: Scholastic Inc., Publication date: 7/16/2005
Number of pages: 652, Price: $29.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 11, Read Alone: 11
Number of pages: 652, Price: $29.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 11, Read Alone: 11
Our Members Say
See 138 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Good book, but lots of romance that may be inappropriate under 12.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
One of my favorites!
One of my favorites!
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
chicks luv this book!!!
OMG luv this book and it is like the best book!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
about 6 is good
I am a little worried about sex but not thst bad.
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Perfect for 11+
I liked the book I think it encourages people to write a bit more. I rate this 11+ because of some of its violence.
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