Book 3: Series Book 1: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Rowling, J.K. (2007). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York: Scholastic Press.

Textbook Chapter: 7

Subgenre: Fantasy



Possible Curriculum Connections: Fantasy genre study; Plot and character development lessons



Book Summary:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the final book in the epic 7 volume Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The book begins in the midst of turmoil in the wizarding world. Lord Voldemort, the series’ ultimate villain, has come back and the Ministry of Magic has been overtaken by Death Eaters, who are Voldemort’s followers. Harry, Ron, and Hermione begin a quest to find and destroy all of the Horcruxes, which contain parts of Lord Voldemort’s soul. The trio is in terrible danger as they try to decipher the clues and gifts that Dumbledore gave them to defeat the Dark Lord. After a bloody battle at Hogwarts where several of the book’s beloved characters were injured or killed, good overcomes evil and Lord Voldemort’s horcruxes (and himself) were destroyed! An afterword was included that gave information about what Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the other characters ended up years later.

Personal Reaction/ Why Teenagers Would Read this Book:
The Harry Potter series is my all-time favorite series of books, young adult or otherwise! I think J.K. Rowling is a genius! Her ability to develop her characters is simply amazing! I have never read a book that gave as much detail about a character’s thoughts, actions, and looks as those from the Harry Potter series. This book, specifically, was action packed! I honestly could not put it down, and something new and exciting happened during every single chapter!
I think a teenager would enjoy reading this book because of the fantasy aspect of the story. The fact that teenage Harry Potter started out as an ordinary boy, living in a life that was unpleasant, but turned into something magical, would appeal to many teens. Teens may also want to read this book because it is fast paced, and it does have a lot of action. In general, I think that young adults like series books because they can relate to the characters, and are able to grow up with the characters as well. For example, in the Harry Potter series, we first get to know the characters at age 12, and then we end the Deathly Hallows with a glimpse of life in the future for the main characters.