Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Author: J.K. Rowling

Illustrator: Mary GrandPré

Reading Level: 9-12

Another best-seller from author J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an additional testament to the fact that some children's books will trigger the imaginations of adults as well. As another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft of Wizardry commences, Harry Potter is again put in the position to save the school and prove that he will be one of the most powerful wizards in the world.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Plot

Before the start of his second year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter is warned that a horrible plot has been planned against him. Ignoring the warnings, and desperate to get away from his guardians, the Dursleys, Harry manages to overcome the odds against him and begins another year of wizarding classes.

Not soon after the beginning of the year, Harry and his friends stumble upon a petrified cat next to a stunned ghost and an eerie warning written on the castle wall. The message, written in red, declares that the Heir of Slytherian has returned and that the legendary Chamber of Secrets has been reopened. Harry finds himself at the wrong place at the wrong time more than once and because of a unique magical gift, most of the students suspect that he is is the culprit behind the attacks. With the help of his friends, Harry must discover the truth behind the Chamber of Secrets and the reveal the real culprit or he might never be able to return to Hogwarts again.

Style & Tone

In the second installment of the Harry Potter book series the author's style is as delightful and smart as the first novel. Though danger is afoot, Rowling never fails to deliver to the reader a sense of humor and hope for the future. Because Harry and his friends are still young, the tone of this novel possesses a slightly watered down sense of evil, but it clear that the threats against Harry and the other students at Hogwarts are not to be taken lightly.

More of a mystery than an adventure, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets has been skillfully written to be full of clues and provides the reader with a little misdirection. The, "hey, look over there" aspect ensures that when the reader finally reaches the climax of the novel the element of surprise is not lost.

Chamber of Secrets Characterization & Setting

All of your favorite Harry Potter friends and foes have returned in this second novel, save for the addition of a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Having learned from their experiences in their first adventure, Harry and his friends are a little older, a little wiser and seem more than capable of solving the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets in the midst of homework, Quiddich and troubles with playground rivals.

The new teacher on campus, Gilderoy Lockhart is an excellent example of Rowling's ability to execute her ideas onto the page. Questions of Lockhart's reliability and strength of character are raised early on, but his usefulness has been well defined and nicely rounded out on the page.

Once again the locations of this story are detailed and shine brilliantly behind the characters of the novel. New places on the grounds and within the castle of Hogwarts are visited, giving readers more of a glimpse into nature of some Rowling's characters. Headmaster Dumbledore's office, for example, is playfully painted with words, but the sense of his authority, nobility and wisdom are prevalent without being overpowering.

Illustration

Illustrator Mary GrandPré provides another set of visual introductions and captures the theme of each chapter to a tee. Without faltering, GrandPré has again achieved excellence with her artistry and compliments Rowling's words with charming illustrations to provoke the imagination.

Final Thoughts

A clever mystery and a great adventure for the imagination, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an excellent addition to any reader’s collection. Rowling's second novel in the series is a sturdy link in the chain connecting past and present events to Harry's future and will inspire the child in everyone to dream of a world full of heroes and magic.