Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there are a few ads, but they provide support for the site. Kids can get information about every Harry Potter book and movie, as well as background information on the storyline's creator, J.K. Rowlings through the rich and varied network of the links. There are loads of chats, fun trivia (mistakes in the books, name origins, and explanation of book dedications), and games to play -- although some of the role-playing games are more for adults than student wizards. The chat feature isn't obvious and does claim to "halts the relay of most messages containing profanity from entering a room," but "swearing guidelines permit the use of the less offensive words (in moderation, and only when needed)" and other offensive material might pop up in conversation.
Families can talk about the phenomena of Harry Potter. Why do you think the books and movies have taken off? How does the hype around each book and movie release add to the popularity? If you were writing the next Harry Potter book, what would be the plot? How would you market the book? Families can also go to the "Name Origins" section of the site and quiz each other on different terms.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jean Armour Polly
Created and maintained by older teens (and a smattering of twenty-somethings), this site offers everything a Harry Potter fan could want. There are news stories, rumors, trivia questions, plot theories, a newsletter, games, and much more.
Read brief synopses of the books, learn what J.K. Rowling's cryptic dedications may mean, pour over explanations of such mysteries as horcruxes, and submerge yourself in Potteriana. There's an encyclopedia of creatures, spells, potions, and places, too. Don't miss Madame Rosmerta's recipes in order to find out how to make such Potteresque delicacies as "Pumpkin Juice" and "Treacle Fudge" (parental help required).
There is a carefully monitored discussion forum with strict rules about what can be posted, including rules about what topics can be covered in fan fiction. For example, no stories can be about homosexuality because fan fiction is supposed to be book-related and Rowling does not have any homosexual characters in the books. Similarly, the chat room seems well-intentioned and at the time of review, there were not any provocative screen names or off-topic posts although "swearing guidelines permit the use of the less offensive words (in moderation, and only when needed)."
There's a games section, with very cool Shockwave games involving quidditch, hippogriff herding, and spellcasting. Real fans will score high on the trivia games, and even muggles will do OK with the Harry Potter matching games and jigsaw puzzles. The site does have a list of Harry Potter-related links it connects to including some role-playing games that are more for adults than student wizards.
For more Potter fun, check out JKRowling.com or www.the-leaky-cauldron.org.
Reviewed: 04/02/2007
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LanguageSome mild profanity can appear in the chat rooms. |
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CommercialismA few ads to support the site itself, but they aren't overbearing. There's a link to the "MuggleStore" filled with HP merchandise. |
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Educational ValueThe site educates fans about all HP books and movies, the author, and how to collect memorabilia. |
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