Third Time's A Charm!

Definitely the most intense of the first three books, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is dark and frightening at times, and there are so many incredible plot twists that it almost requires a second reading just to fully understand it.

Harry begins his school year once again fearing expulsion, this time because he really did use magic -- by inflating his cousin's aunt. Oddly, though, the Ministry of Magic does not disturb him this time, and he hangs out in a little hotel which they have placed him in for the rest of the summer. Unfortunately, the big thrill for third-years -- a trip to a real wizard town -- cannot happen for Harry because his aunt and uncle didn't sign his permission slip.

He has even bigger worries on his mind, though. Sirius Black, a prisoner at the high-security wizard prison Azkaban, has escaped, and it appears that he's after Harry. The school is surrounded by Dementors, the wraith-like guards of Azkaban who chill Harry to the bone each time he sees them. But even with them to stand guard, evidence arises that Sirius Black has been in the school. Calamities pile up on top of one another as Mr. Weasley risks losing his job at the Ministry of Magic and Hagrid's hippogriff, Buckbeak, awaits execution for injuring Malfoy.

With the aid of Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and a remarkable map provided by Fred and George Weasley, Harry is able to confront his fear of the Dementors and discover some of Sirius' plans. However, nothing can prepare him for the incredible truth that will be revealed when he finds him...

A page turner from start to finish, "The Prisoner of Azkaban" is absolutely brilliant. These books just keep getting better. But as Harry discovers the true circumstances of his parents' betrayal and death, the book becomes very complex and a bit frightening. As Harry grows older, the themes intensify. Younger children will still enjoy this book, but it may scare them. Still, very worth the read. We've followed Harry this far; we can't abandon him now.