My favorite so far. ( )

The literary elements that make the Harry Potter books so compelling are the densely plotted story lines, the word games and puzzles, and the characters. In this novel, the characters are particularly interesting, especially new teacher Defense against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Lupin, a man with a howling secret. Joining him is Sirius Black, a feared, possibly mad, escaped prisoner who is believed to have betrayed Harry's parents and is now said to be after Harry. Harry himself is growing and developing as well, turning into a stronger person and a more complex hero by facing the reality of his parents' violent deaths. Carefully wrought details, like Quidditch action, class curriculums and magical time manipulation make Harry’s fantasy world seem very real. This book examines the themes of the duality of life, the importance of loyalty and the injustice of legal systems. An effective recurring motif is the idea that things are not always as they seem. Characters are continually set up to appear guilty only to turn out to be innocent later. This further develops Rowling’s overarching theme: that it is our choices that define us. This book is the best of the first half of the Harry Potter series. It's complex without being overwrought and overlong. This is a good pick for disciplined and imaginative 3rd and 4th graders. ( )

Very enjoyable and very hard to put down and wait for the next day to finally read it again.
Encourage children from 10 years to 15 years at my opinion. ( )

Probably the best of Harry Potter books. Bridges the gap between the childish first two books and the darker latter books. ( )

Third Harry Potter book. Another ripping yarn, goodies and baddies galore, and the plots twists keep who’s good and who’s bad a little confused until the end. I found this one to be better plotted – good pace, plot twists and nice technique. JKR clearly getting more assured. Good stuff. Read November 2007 ( )