Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling is a fantasy mystery for 11 year olds, with news of a dangerous escape hanging over Harry's next school year.

What happens

Before he can get back to Hogwarts, Harry has to survive a visit from Aunt Marge. She's very pleased to tell him everything she thinks is wrong with him. Keeping his temper is getting harder by the minute.

When he finally leaves the house, he's alone with his trunk and no sensible plan. A huge purple bus turning up out of nowhere is a surprise. The beds inside it are another one!

And there's worrying news to catch up on. Sirius Black has escaped from the wizard prison of Azkaban. The people Harry meets have some frightening things to say about him.

If your child likes a mystery where someone has a reputation before you've even met them, this gives them plenty to wonder about. Harry is hearing about Black from newspapers and other people. Your reader is finding things out with him.

There are still wonderfully silly bits among Harry's worries. Hagrid's idea of a useful present is a book that bites. Trying to catch it quietly is quite a job when your uncle is asleep next door.

The birthday parcels are also a reminder of how much Harry's friends care about him. Hermione sends something chosen especially for his love of flying. After all that unpleasantness at home, it's lovely to see him enjoying being remembered.

For readers who've followed him this far, those ordinary feelings still matter. He wants to see his friends and join them on trips out of school. Even a wizard can find getting a permission form signed a very big problem.

Aunt Marge's bullying includes cruel comments about Harry's dead parents and a reference to having a dog drowned. These are in the opening chapters. They may be upsetting for a child who finds family cruelty or harm to animals difficult.

What to read next

Ready to follow Harry into another year? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is also in the library. A dangerous magical tournament brings a new challenge, with Harry's name entered even though he hasn't chosen to compete.