|
|
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
by J.K. Rowling
Scholastic/Levine
ISBN: 0439139597
Age Level: 9-Up
 |
He's baaaaaack! Harry Potter, boy wizard, returns in this much-anticipated
fourth book about the amazing goings-on at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft
and Wizardry.
With two weeks of summer to go before school starts, Harry is thrilled
to learn that he'll be leaving his wretched relatives, the Dursleys,
and going to stay with his best friend, Ron Weasley, and Ron's family.
But even more special than his visit, is the chance to attend the
Quidditch World Cup championship game. Harry, Ron, their friend Hermione,
and most of the Weasley clan head off to a magical stadium for the
big game. During all the festivities, the Dark Mark of Voldemort is
raised in the sky, frightening the thousands of wizards and witches
at the event. Could Voldemort be regaining his strength?
Harry doesn't have too much time to worry about this scary idea as
his fourth year at Hogwarts is about to begin. He may not be all that
eager to start his school work, but he's super excited about the new
Quidditch season. And he also wants to know who the new Defense Against
the Dark Arts teacher will be.
Once at Hogwarts, though, Harry --- and everyone else --- gets a big
surprise. They learn that Quidditch is canceled for the year so that
the shcool can concentrate on a different competition, the Triwizard
Tournament. It's a contest between the three largest European schools
of wizardry: Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang. One champion is
chosen to represent each school in a series of dangerous tasks. As
students from the other two schools arrive to spend the year at Hogwarts,
everyone wonders which students will compete, their names finally
selected by the ancient Goblet of Fire.
The Tournament is exciting, but it's only part of the year's activities.
A regular class load, including instruction from Mad-Eye Moody, the
new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with a magical eye and wooden
leg, keeps Harry and his friends busy. Of course, there's time for
fun, including weekend trips to the wizarding village of Hogsmeade.
And at 14, Harry and his fellow fourth-years are ready for their first
school dance (who will Harry ask?).
As the Triwizard Tournament and the school year unfold, nearly all
the witchcraft and wizardry students face new challenges. But this
year Harry faces the most danger of all. He now must trust that his
growing wizard skills and the support of Professor Dumbledore, and
his godfather, Sirius Black, will be enough to see Harry safely through
this fourth year.
Yes, this is a very long book. But you'll want to step right into
the enchanting world of Hogwarts and ride along as Harry unravels
more of the magical mysteries in his fascinating life.
--------- Shannon Maughan
|
