Harry Potter Strikes Again!

In this second volume of the Harry Potter chronicles, Harry's year is not off to a good start. First a pesky little elf shows up and warns him not to go to Hogwarts. When Harry ignores him, the elf does some magic, and Harry gets a warning from the Ministry of Magic because they think he did it. His aunt and uncle are furious with him when they discover he can't use magic...and he's been threatening them with it all summer. He's locked in his room, but the Weasleys come to rescue him in a flying car.

The rest of the summer is wonderful, but when the time comes to go to Hogwarts, Harry and Ron can't get onto the platform to catch the train. So they take the flying car to Hogwarts instead and end up in the clutches of the ferocious tree which guards a part of Hogwarts: the Whomping Willow. Their car gone, the tree damaged, having been seen by several Muggles, the boys think their luck has run out. Fortunately, Professor Dumbledore decides not to expel them, but their troubles are far from over.

A fascinating host of new characters is introduced in this book, from Gilderoy Lockhart, the gorgeous egomaniac celebrity who teaches Defense Against the Dark Arts, to Moaning Myrtle, a young ghost who haunts the girls' bathroom. As the term wears on, there is a very important character who still lurks in the shadows. When people turn up with strange and horrifying enchantments placed upon them, it is once again up to Ron, Hermione and Harry to figure out just what is going on. Loyalties are tested as unsavory rumors begin to surface, and Harry wonders miserably whether he is destined for evil.

It's a fascinating thrill ride from beginning to end, with lots of humor to help it along. New aspects of the Hogwarts world are introduced and the histories of Harry and Voldemort begin to be revealed. And of course, throughout it all lie the enduring values of friendship and loyalty, and just how far the young heroes will go to honor them. Harry's second year at Hogwart's is every bit as fascinating as his first, and readers can only wonder with bated breath what he has in store in his third year.