As far as Harry Potter books go, this one was my least favorite. Harry is always yelling and getting moody (you'll realize why once you've read it) and his relationship with Dumbledore takes an odd twist. But even though not the best in the series, it is still a nicely told story with a fast paced plot.
Tools for this page
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Rowling mixes up a potent and volatile brew.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Parents need to know that though there is a high level of violence and emotional upset, the morality and boost to reading ability more than balance them out. A group of teens fights adults who want to kill them and a major character dies. Harry is tortured again with a curse that makes him writhe in pain; another character is attacked by a snake. Positive themes of friendship, equality, and loyalty continue to flourish, but Harry develops a short fuse.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about Harry's turbulent and triumphant moments. Why do you think he seems so much angrier in this book? Do you think he treated his friends fairly when he arrived at Grimmauld Place? Why did he agree to let Rita Skeeter tell his story? When the article is banned at school everyone wants to read it -- and does. Can you think of examples of this happening in today's media?
Our Members Say
See all 61 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
AMAZING
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
One Word: Astonishing
The pacing in this book is unrivaled, except by the other Potter books, and takes monumental steps in the storyline. It is very long, and yet it never sags or becomes boring and dull even once. The Harry Potter series gave me love for reading, and I am absolutely positive it will continue to do the same for many children. The way it starts as an easy and short read and than evolves into Dark, complex, and long lilterature that is incredibly well done and convicting is awe-inspiring. If you want your kid/teen to leave the video games alone, get them to pick up the Sorcerer's Stone. For teens and adults who already treasure reading, this series is a rare and pleasant treat. This book ranks as my second favorite of the series, behind only The Deathly Hallows.
- I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
off for kids 8 and under
I have read this book 5 times.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
THE ORDER OF THE PHEONIX ROCKS!!!
I loved this installment of Harry Potter! I am the kind of reader that can read 800+ pages in about 4 days, so I loved the length of it! I thought the few people from Dumbledor's army refused to let Harry go to the Ministry alone! I LOVE how the kids go against Umbridge by forming a club. I was very satisfied with the battle in the end, except I didn't find it necessary to have Sirius Black die. He was one of my favorite characters, and Harry only knew him for about 2 years. I loved it when Harry has the dream of the snake and Mr. Weasley. I found that to be a very powerful moment. I think Occlumency is awesome!!! I really enjoyed reading the battle with Voldemort and Dumbledore, and I loved it when Harry got possessed by Voldemort!! That was AWESOME!!! I LOVE Fred and George!!! They are soo hilarious!!! I thought having Harry get Banned from Qudditch was pretty unnescessary also. I was sooo happy when Harry stuck up for what he believed in, and then finally proved he was telling the truth all along. Everyone says that Harry is angry a lot in this book, but wouldn't you be if people kept saying you were crazy all the time? I would reccomend this book to anyone!
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
Caroline Knorr recommends:
The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5
for kids age 10
See more from Caroline Kno ...
The Last Olympian: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 5
for kids age 10
See more from Caroline Kno ...
