Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

 

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Scholastic; 2005,

ISBN: 0439785960.

Reader’s Annotation

Voldemort and his Death Eaters are on the offensive, and Dumbledore begins preparing Harry for the struggle that lies before him, even while life as a sixth-year at Hogwarts goes on.

Plot Summary

Lord Voldemort’s back in full force, and even the muggles can feel it. A dark mist from the dementors enshrouds muggle communities. Harry is becoming increasingly anxious about the activities of the Death Eaters.  Concurring, Dumbledore spends more and more time preparing Harry for the inevitable showdown with Lord Voldemort.  Meanwhile, at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, life goes on.  Many of the other sixth-years are learning to apparate, resulting in a few interesting accidents.  In potions class, Harry discovers an amazing study aid—an old potions textbook with notes written throughout.  The only clue to who wrote the notes is the name “The Half-Blood Prince”.  Among the more popular potions are the love potions, some of which are sold at the Weasley twin’s new store.  Harry and Ginny don’t seem to need a potion, as they are becoming more and more attracted to each other, as are Ron and Hermione. The romance is like a brief respite before the dramatic turn of events sets the stage for the seventh book.

Critical Evaluation

This installment of the series seems to balance two storylines—Harry’s and Dumbledore’s quest to uncover the truth about Voldemort, and the day-to-day goings on at Hogwarts.  One new character is introduced named Professor Slughorn—a jovial and conceited man who prides himself on name dropping, and who also was once a teacher of “You Know Who”.  The humor and romance nicely offset the somber tone of the investigation of Voldemort’s background.  That being said, this is one book where you do not what to hear any spoilers!  The reader should be well advised to take the book and block out time to read it in one or two sittings (also allow time to process it when the book is done).

Information about the Author

Born in July 1965 in England, J.K. (Joanne Kathleen) Rowling grew up in Chepstow, Gwent.  After graduating with a degree in French and Classics from Exeter University, Rowling worked as postgraduate for Amnesty International in Paris for one year.  She began writing Harry Potter on a delayed commuter train, and over the next five years, outlined all seven novels. Rowling lives in England with her husband and children, Jessica, David and MacKenzie.  For more information go to: J.K. Rowling

Genre

Fantasy

Curriculum Tie-ins

None

Booktalk Ideas

Reading level/Interest age

Ages 9-Adult

Challenge Issues/Challenge Response Ideas

Witchcraft/Magic

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Be familiar with similar works in the collection

Refer to YALSA

Why I included this work

Every Harry Potter book is a must-read, and this one’s no exception!
YALSA's Teens' Top Ten 

Great Quote from the Book:

Hermione Granger:  "Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right."