Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling

Year 3: ...Prisoner of Azkaban
First published October 1999 in the US, illustrated by Mary GrandPré
448 pages, 22 chapters

The rat that wasn't. The murderer who wasn't. Harry's third year at Hogwarts is one of secrets and contradictions. Will the truth be better than not knowing?

Memorable Moments: the Knight Bus, Hogsmeade visits

Favorite Illustration: Padfoot (chapter 18)

The Food: Pepper Imps, Chocoballs, sugar quills, Fizzing Whizbees, butterbeer, jelly slugs, toothflossing stringmints, ice mice, peppermint toads, exploding bonbons, cockroach clusters

The Pets: Padfoot (Sirius), Crookshanks, the owl Sirius gives to Ron (as yet unnamed)

Favorite Quote: "He was my mum and dad's best friend. He's a convicted murderer, but he's broken out of wizard prison and he's on the run. He likes to keep in touch with me, though...keep up with my news...check if I'm happy..." (Harry to Uncle Vernon, page 435*)

Scenes that should have made the movie: Harry spending a week in Diagon Alley, Snape's Grudge (the Whomping Willow joke)

Activities:
-Wizard's chess
-Gobstones
-Quidditich
-Rat/Cat Tag

Reading Reflection: POA is one of my favorite books in the series for many reasons. The kids are growing up--they're thirteen now. They get to visit Hogsmeade. Their friendship (especially Ron & Hermione's) is tested and tried. Harry discovers more about himself and finds someone who truly cares for him. The air of mystery in the book definitely appeals to my inner sleuth.

An interesting side note: POA came in at #18 on Adele's (Persnickety Snark) Top 100 YA Novels Poll.

I hope you've enjoyed my discussion of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Things will get very complicated in two weeks when I discuss the fourth book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Until then, happy reading!

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