Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
J.K. Rowling mixes up a more intense brew in fifth book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 30 parent reviews
Parents say this book is a captivating read within the Harry Potter series, showcasing deep character development and darker themes that may not be suitable for younger audiences. While some praise its intensity and thrilling elements, others express concerns over its length, mature content, and the portrayal of violence, with some suggesting it may not be the best starting point for younger readers.
- engaging storyline
- darker themes
- intense content
- character development
- long read
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 114 kid reviews
Kids say that this installment is a mix of enjoyment and frustration, as many found the book's length—over 800 pages—excessive, leading to boredom at times, particularly with the political undertones and some redundant scenes. However, they appreciate the introduction of new characters, the humor amidst the darker themes, and the courage displayed against the antagonist, Dolores Umbridge, despite concerns regarding the intense violence and emotional weight, including the death of a beloved character.
- length issues
- new characters
- political themes
- humor amidst darkness
- emotional weight
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, Harry is spending another miserable summer at his aunt and uncle's house when he and his cousin Dudley are attacked by a pair of Dementors. Defending himself with the Patronus charm in the presence of a muggle lands Harry in all kinds of trouble with the Ministry of Magic. The wizards there are looking for any reason to punish and discredit him -- they don't want to believe that Voldemort is alive and gathering his Death Eaters once again. It takes a trip to the Ministry and lots of help from Dumbledore to clear Harry's name and get him back to Hogwarts for another year. Harry is relieved to be there until he meets the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the Ministry's most ruthless defender, Dolores Umbridge. Harry can't control his outrage when she calls him an attention-seeking liar, refuses to teach real defensive magic (because what would a bunch of children need it for?) and starts censoring and firing the other Hogwarts teachers. He has to do something to fight back against Umbridge and prepare for the inevitable: the day he must face Voldemort again.
Is It Any Good?
This exciting installment pits Harry against inept politicians, cruel teachers, and his number-one foe, Voldemort, who is indeed back no matter what the Ministry says. Harry faces so many trials this challenging school year, many thanks to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and toad-like Ministry toadie, Dolores Umbridge. She seems determined to get that "liar" Harry Potter expelled, or almost worse, off the Gryffindor Quidditch team for good. Harry can't control his temper whenever the aptly named Umbridge is around. He also can't seem to control his own body and emotions, a development both fascinating and frightening. Harry has repetitive dreams of long hallways and locked doors, sudden bursts of feeling that aren't his, and a regular prickling sensation in his scar. He suspects his connection to Voldemort has grown stronger with his return and is proven right when, in his sleep, Harry witnesses -- and is unwittingly a part of -- a vicious attack. Readers will be worrying as Harry does just how deep the connection goes and who will get attacked next.
They'll have to wait a bit to uncover that mystery. The school year is a busy one in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, what with the first real exams looming, Harry's attempts at dating, and super-secret meetings of a Defense Against the Dark Arts club -- Hermione's brilliant idea. And then there are the Weasley twins' rebellious antics that provide one of the most satisfying cheer-out-loud moments of the entire series. If only Harry's fifth year could end on that high note, but when has a year at Hogwarts ever ended peaceably? The inevitable showdown is a nail-biter, and even more exciting because Harry's got a crew of friends along to fight with him – hooray for Neville, Luna, and Ginny. And in the wake of another tragic loss, it's finally time for Dumbledore to tell all he knows. It's a startling revelation that sets up the even more intense showdowns in the Harry Potter books to come. Get ready.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about anger in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. With Dolores Umbridge around, there's plenty to be mad about. When Harry rages at Umbridge, what are the consequences? Which version of Harry are you when you face an injustice? How much harder is it to decide to do something about injustice than stew in anger over it?
Why did Harry agree to let Rita Skeeter tell his story? When the article is banned at school everyone wants to read it -- and does. Can you think of examples of this happening in today's media?
What does Dumbledore mean when he says that the fountain in the Ministry of Magic depicting witches and wizards ruling over other magical creatures "told a lie"? How would this magical world be different if centaurs, house elves, and goblins were treated as equals? What other books do you read that question the way class or race are viewed in society? How many of them are fantasies?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Mary Grandpre
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date : June 21, 2003
- Number of pages : 870
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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