When Can Your Child Read Harry Potter
Since weve mentioned that some of the later books get pretty dark, when should you allow your child to read them?
Im not one for censoring books, but it is understandable that you may not want to expose your children to certain concepts of life, death, morality, evil, grief, even witchcraft, and magic, etc. until they are a bit older.
These guidelines are fairly general, but based on reading comprehension levels and potential triggers for sensitive readers, here are the breakdowns for each book:
- Recommended reading age: 7-9.
- Lexile Rank: 880L.
- Content warnings: magical creatures , mentions of blood, mention of drunkenness
- Recommended reading age: 7-9.
- Lexile Rank: 940L.
- Content warnings: dangerous situations, underage driving, giant spiders, giant serpent, coma-like states, blood, snake bite/venom, near-death experience
- Recommended reading age: 9-11
- Lexile Rank: 880L.
- Content warnings: scary magical creatures known as Dementors , stalking, menacing, being marked for death, discussion of a potential serial killer
- Recommended reading age: 10-12
- Lexile Rank: 950L.
- Content warnings: death of a loved one, torture, targeting of teens by adults who want them dead, attack by large snake, violence, minor drinking, minor swearing
- Recommended reading age: 11-13
- Lexile Rank: 1030L.
- Content warnings: death of a loved one/major character, discussions of murder and disappearances, zombie-like creatures, blood, violence
The Books Of Elsewhere By Jacqueline West
Eleven-year-old Olive Dunwoody knows theres something strange about her new house the moment her family moves into the creepy old mansion on Linden Street. When she discovers three talking cats and a pair of eyeglasses that transport her into the homes unusual paintings, she knows the house is truly magical. But is she prepared for how dangerous it will become?
The Books of Elsewhere series by Jacqueline West follows Olive as she discovers that her homes previous owners were witchesand they may not be quite finished with it just yet. Perfect for older elementary school kids and younger middle schoolers, Publishers Weekly says the series offers a suspenseful plot and insight into childhood loneliness.
The five-book series begins with The Shadows and is followed by Spellbound, The Second Spy, The Strangers, and Still Life.
A Bit About Harry Potter
Unless youve been living under a rock, youll know that the Harry Potter series documents the adventures of a young wizard named Harry and his companions.
But if youre not a Harry Potter fan yourself , you might need some filling in on the broader details of the series.
There are seven books in total, all centering around Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione. They are students at a prestigious boarding school named the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
One of the wonderfully captivating things about the Harry Potter series is that the children get a year older with each book. In book one, theyre eager 11-year-olds, and by the time the series reaches its crescendo in book seven, theyre 18.
We get to see these beloved characters grow up as they battle dark forces in a fight of good against evil.
Throughout the series, the children are on a quest to defeat the evil Lord Voldemort. Voldermort aims to destroy both the wizarding world and the ordinary world so he can gain immortality.
The books examine themes of good and evil, love and friendship, and loyalty and corruption, just to name a few.
Learn more about the writer: JK Rowling: Books, Author Facts, Quotes and More
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The Brooklyn Brujas By Zoraida Cordova
Labyrinth Lost, the first book of Latinx-infused queer fantasy trilogy The Brooklyn Brujas, was one of NPRs Best Young Adult books of 2016. Alex is a powerful witch, but she hates her magical powers. When she casts a spell to rid herself of her powers, though, it backfires, causing her family to vanish into thin air. To save her loved ones, Alex and her friend Nova must travel to the dark, strange land of Los Lagos on a journey of self-discovery. Fantastically imaginative and diverse, raves one reviewer on Amazon. A story for those who feel out of place and want to be different, says another.
The subsequent books in the Brooklyn Brujas trilogy follow Alexs two sisters, Lula and Rose, as they battle evil in the their home town and across the magical realms.
Struggling Readers Need Five Things To Succeed
Today’s post is written by Zoe Luderitz. Zoe is the Content Manager of Alibris, an online retailer of new, used, rare and out-of-print books. A true bibliophile, Zoes favorite past time is to tuck herself away in a coffee shop with a good book, bagel and hot coffee in front of her.
Do you have a struggling reader in your home or classroom? Struggling readers need specific encouragement to overcome their struggle and start reading well and with good comprehension. Every struggling reader needs these five things for success:
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How Would You Use The Polyjuice Potion
Polyjuice is a foul-tasting concoction that allows any wizard or witch to transform into another person. It is arguably the most fascinating potion in the Harry Potter series too. After all, who among us has never fantasized about being somebody else?
In other words, how you would use Polyjuice is a combination of Questions 1 and 3. Your answer reveals who you dream of becoming and who you crave to be. Naturally, your answer also shines a harsh light on your dissatisfaction and insecurities about yourself.
And if you find this question to be too upsetting, modify it and consider who would use Polyjuice to impersonate you. If you can think of a few names, dont be creeped out. Take it that there are people in the world who see you as being in a better and brighter place. Your life is much more desirable than you know.
Books For Kids Not Ready For Harry Potter
What if your child isnt ready for Harry Potter? What books are similar but for a younger audience? Here are 20 books for kids that want to dive into the world of fantasy but are not ready for Harry Potter.
As many of you know we are a family of HUGE Harry Potter fans! Weve read all of the books. Weve seen all of the movies. We even created a Hogwarts Gingerbread Castle and a Harry Potter Christmas Tree! We have moved on to other fantasy and adventure books that you can see in my post 25 Books your child should read after Harry Potterand 20 Magical Books for Your Child to Read After Harry Potter. But, not all children are ready for Harry Potter. Ive scoured the internet looking for great fantasy adventure books, alike to the famous Harry Potter series, yet geared toward children who are NOT yet ready for the intensity that comes along with the Hogwarts life. So, here are 20 Books for Kids Not Ready for Harry Potter!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more information.
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The Masked Dancer’s Scissors ‘named’ As Little Mix Star As She Blows Fans Away
She loved the scarf so much she was wearing it in the 23-degree heat.
As a family, it gave us a break from the nightmare we are living. It is phenomenal, we are overwhelmed.
Nick, wife Naomi, 32, and Caitlins siblings, Oliver, nine, Joseph, five, and Sophie, three, from Over, Cambs, says the family are in a race against time.
Within 18 months Caitlin will be blind, by 15 have dementia and is unlikely to live past 20.
Nick said they have had to tell Caitlin about her eyesight and to explain there are problems with her brain.
What Other Method Can I Use To Determine My Childs Harry Potter Reading Level
A childrens librarian is another excellent resource for determining if your kid is ready to read Harry Potter novels. They may not be acquainted with every book in the library, but they are well-versed in all things Harry Potter.
This means theyll be able to comment on how difficult a book is to read and what subjects and themes are handled in each. As a parent, this will help you make a better-educated decision about whether or not its time to send your child to Hogwarts.
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The Mystery Of Black Hollow Lane By Julia Nobel
Relatable characters, a page-turning plot, and a pace that doesnt lag yet allows you to spend time in the engaging setting, writes one Amazon reviewer. Give this to your 8- to 12-year-olds who gobble up mysteries, and theyll be back for the next in the series.
THEME PARK MAGIC:7 Things You Didnt Know You Could Do at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
A Deadly Education By Naomi Novik
Sixteen-year-old Galadriel El Higgins is a half-British, half-Indian sorceress at the Scholomance, a school where students learn magic. But unlike Hogwarts, there are no teachers. The students are responsible for educating themselves, and at the end they either graduateor die.
The Scholomance series by Naomi Novak is a good choice for older teens and adults looking for books similar to Harry Potter, especially if the magical boarding school element is one of your favorite parts of the Potter books. The first book in the series is A Deadly Education. The second book is called The Last Graduate.
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Storm Runner By Jc Cervantes
Based on Mayan mythology, the Storm Runner trilogy features Zane, a young boy with a physical disability that not only makes it difficult to walk but also challenging to navigate bullying from his peers in middle school. Zane likes exploring the dormant volcano near his home in New Mexico with his dog Rosie, but little does he know the volcano is a gateway to another world. Zane finds himself in the middle of a powerful prophecy that will transport him far away from the life hes always known. Cervantes writing is funny and her characters are likable, says a reader on Amazon. This is a great read for students who like action and adventure. And Kirkus Reviews notes, Zanes incredibly appealing kid voice and wry internal interjections make him easy to root for.
The first book in the series is The Storm Runner, followed by The Fire Keeper and The Shadow Crosser.
#book : The Sorcerers Stone
Like all the Harry Potter books, The Sorcerers Stone does explore some challenging themes, but its done in a gentle way that can promote a healthy dialogue.
There are some potentially scary scenes for example, halfway through this book, the children come face to face with an evil troll they must defeat together. And at the end of the book, theres an extended fight scene between Harry and the evil Voldermort.
Its also worth noting that this book touches upon the theme of parental death. If this isnt something your child has been introduced to through other books or movies yet, it might be wise to gently broach the subject with them first
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Hogwarts Library By Jk Rowling
The Hogwarts Library is a three-volume set that gives you an inside look into the magical world of Hogwarts. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is Newt Scamanders opus on magical creatures. Quidditch Through the Ages tells this history of the game and explains the rules. The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a collection of fairy tales set in the Wizarding World. Together, this tiny trilogy gives Harry Potter fans deeper insight into the world J.K. Rowling so masterfully created. A lavishly illustrated box set is also available.
What Would You See In The Mirror Of Erised
The Mirror of Erised is an amazing artifact featured in The Sorcerers Stone. A person gazing into it would see his deepest desire vividly manifested. Albus Dumbledore himself also cautioned that Men have wasted away before it, not knowing if what they have seen is real, or even possible.“
Note Dumbledores words or even possible. This strongly suggests that the mirror almost always shows things that can never happen. In other words, meaningless fantasies. Lies.
Was this author J.K. Rowlings way of stating that too many people are obsessed with things they can never have or change?
In your case, what would you see if you stand before the Mirror of Erised? Would it be an aspiration youre still striving for or a fantasy you have wasted years obsessing over?
If the latter, would the fantasy someday morph into a lifelong grudge, a regret thatd utterly destroy you?
These are depressing life questions to consider. But to honestly confront them will spare you a world of tragedy.
Harry Potter beguiled by the Mirror of Erised in the first movie.
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My Dyslexic Kid Wants To Read Harry Potter
- learning to read, reading
Talking to peers is extremely important. Especially at a young age when children still have to learn the emotional and social skills like empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving.
Generally, children talk. A lot. They constantly have something to ask, something to note, something to say. Which is good, as it develops their social habits and often unleashes their creativity.
So what happens when a child cannot be a part of this discussion?
Percy Jackson And The Olympians By Rick Riordan
Rick Riordans Percy Jackson and the Olympians is one of the most popular series to read after Harry Potter. Like the characters in the Harry Potter books, Percy Jackson grows older as the series progresses, with Percy starting as a 12-year-old in the first book and growing older with each book. In the first book, Percy discovers that his father is the Greek god Poseidon and is sent to Camp Half-Blood with other kids of divine parentage. From there, he goes on a quest to the Underworld to retrieve a stolen lightning bolt. The five-book series consists of The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titans Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian.
If you are a Potterhead, or if you like magic-related books, youll definitely not get bored, raves one reviewer on Amazon, though others note that this series is less likely to appeal to older teens and adults than J.K. Rowlings more complex Harry Potter books.
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Harry Potter: A Journey Through The History Of Magic Curated By The British Museum
Ever wonder why a mandrake screams? Youll find out in Harry Potter: A Journey Through the History of Magic. Compiled by the British Museum as a companion piece to an exhibition, the book includes some of J.K. Rowlings early drafts and sketches of the Wizarding World. Its exactly what you should read after finishing the Harry Potter series. Theres an American edition that features artifacts not included in the original British edition.
What Is Harry Potter Age Range
The series is usually acceptable for youngsters aged 9 to 12 and above. However, the Harry Potter age rating is dependent on both the child and the parents.
While some children may be ready to appreciate and enjoy Harrys experiences from a very early age, others may need a little more time to intellectually mature before the series is considered acceptable.
Its worth mentioning that Harry Potter starts off as an 11-year-old and ends up as a 17-year-old in the last book. Given that youngsters prefer reading about heroes their own age, its definitely a good idea to keep this in mind while putting out your childs reading selection.
Between 1997 and 2007, a generation of youngsters who read the books one by one when they were published appreciated the narrative. It remained in the same age group as Harry for the duration of the books publication.
Reading the volumes one year or more apart has been an excellent experience for me, as one of the fortunate ones who caught the series evolving.
Each book depicts Harry Potter at a different age, and its been fantastic to be around the same age as the hero. I was able to identify all of Harrys shifts in relationships, and mental patterns and better comprehend his friendships and rivalries.
So, what age group is Harry Potter aimed at? Although the official Harry Potter age range is 9 to 12, my personal experience has taught me that the series is far more pleasant if the novels are read one year apart, beginning at 10 or 11.
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Most Muggles Only Use 10% Of Their Brain
In research published last Wednesday inPLoS One, scientists from Carnegie Mellon University have revealed they can predict with an impressive 74% accuracy the neural pattern that will be produced by reading specific passages in Harry Potter and The Sorcerers Stone.
In order to better understand the multitasking activity occurring in the brain when reading fiction, the researchers recruited 8 adult volunteers willing to lie in an MRI machine for 45 minutes while The Midnight Duel, Chapter 9 of The Sorcerers Stone, flashed on a screen at a word-per-half-a-second rate. According to lead researcher Leila Wehbe, Chapter 9which features Harry learning to fly, confronting Malfoy, and running into the three-headed-dog, was chosen specifically by the researchers because it has plenty of action and emotion, but theres not too much going on for scientists to track.
In the future, this research could help readers struggling with dyslexia or recovering from a stroke. Explains Tom Mitchell, head of Machine Learning at the University:
Plenty of points to Carnegie Mellon! Now perhaps they could start researching where my Hogwarts letter went?
#book : The Prisoner Of Azkaban
This book explores pretty similar themes to the first book, and the story follows directly on from where the first book left off.
In terms of violence, theres only one major fight scene, which is at the end of the book, and its no scarier than the ones in The Sorcerers Stone. If your child did fine with the themes played out in Book 1, they will also be able to handle book 2.
Its worth noting, though, that the theme of death is also touched upon in this book. This time, its the death of a young Hogwarts student who was murdered by a mysterious creature many years earlier. Since shes not a main character and the reader hasnt built up a connection with her, most children arent phased.
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