Book Review: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Synopsis

Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Comments

A favorite book for an entire generation of kids, but not without some controvery. If you are okay with your child imaginging themselves a witch or wizard, you probably won’t have any concerns with this book.  Like many books in a series, the story grows darker as you continue into the series.  Don’t assume that because the first book is fine that all of them are appropriate for a 9 year-old.

Language

Level 1 [?]

Sexual Content

Adult kisses another on the cheek.

Drugs/Alcohol

Item described as looking like a ‘cigarette lighter’. Adults drink brandy and wine, and there are several instances of it changing their behavior (kissing someone, revealing secrets), getting drunk.

Violence/Disturbing

Mention of  ‘letter bombs’. Boy drives over neighbor’s dog and throws a tortoise. Adult holds a gun on an intruder. Uncle threatens Harry with ‘good beating’. There are resident ghosts at the school who interact with the kids-including the victim of a botched beheading. Multiple creepy references to blood being on things. A dark wizard threatens (and tries) to kill Harry. Harry and his friends in some peril, including facing a troll and a 3-headed dog.

Social/Family

Harry’s parents are dead and he is being raised by his aunt and uncle who actively dislike him, abuse and neglect him. Kids are bullied and beaten up, including a child who stutters. Spoiled kid physically hurts his parents.

Religion/Spiritual

Witches, wizards, ghosts, poltergeists, fortunetelling. ‘There is no good and evil, there is only power, and those too weak to seek it.’