Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by JK Rowling

Category: Upper Elementary Chapter
Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J.K. Rowling
Illustrator: Mary GrandPré
Publisher: Scholastic Press : New York
Publication Date: 2000
Grade Level: 4-8 (although this series is loved by young adults and adults, as well)
Genre: Modern Fantasy
Theme: Believe in yourself and you can do anything.
Number of Pages: 734 pages

Summary: As he continues to try to fit in at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter finds himself chosen for a dangerous competition that will test his ability as a wizard. Additionally, his recurring battles with the evil Voldemort will once again test his meddle. His constant companions, Hermione and Ron, and his faculty support at Hogwarts stick by him. In the end, he is a better person for his struggles.

Evaluation: This modern fantasy is a quest story – a story about searching for something – that is popular with readers because of their desire to want the popular protagonist to find a solution, to find what he is looking for, and they are along for the ride. It is considered a high fantasy, an engaging, serious tale that centers around the conflict between good and evil. The main characters are well rounded and, as a result, are well liked by readers. The evolution of many of the characters, particularly Harry Potter, is obvious and a fulfilling aspect to the story; readers enjoy seeing a change in characters as a result of conflict. The magic featured in this story is written in a genuine style that allows readers to easily and gladly suspend disbelief. The cover illustration wraps around the binding and continues on the back, which is a nice layout style that visually gives the sense of a complete package. The images are done in an expressionistic style created with mostly dark pastels and soft lines that frankly would not attract readers on its own merits – Harry Potter’s facial expression is goofy and too young-looking – yet the story is so popular that the illustrations are not a deterrent. The small stars that appear in the outside corners of all the pages and next to the page numbers at the bottom of each page are a nice touch that serve as a constant reminder that the book is about magic.