Harry Potter books????

[lucybugmom]

I have an almost 12 yr old daughter who has read the first 3 Potter books and would like to read the rest of them. I was told by some very good teacher friends of mine that starting in the 4th book, they get darker and darker and darker. I have tried to read them, but just can't get into them. She wants to see the new movie coming out and wants to read the books first. I tried doing some online research and only found things saying that there is violence, self-mutilation, murders, gore, etc. I'm not sure what type of self-mutilitation it was meaning and just how violent and gorey (sp?) they are. I think the thing that bothers me the most of what I read is the use of "self-mutilitation" and exactly what that was (I think the review I read that in was for the 4th book) Any suggestions/info would be greatly appreciated!! I've tried to ask different friends/neighbors and they either don't remember anything really standing out that was "bad" or they haven't read them.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My 12yodd is reading Steven King. She read the HP series starting at 8yo.

They do get darker it is true however it is a good series and I think 12 is a perfect age for them.

If she is on book 3 there is no way she can read them all before the movie comes out.

 

[golfgal]

I have an almost 12 yr old daughter who has read the first 3 Potter books and would like to read the rest of them. I was told by some very good teacher friends of mine that starting in the 4th book, they get darker and darker and darker. I have tried to read them, but just can't get into them. She wants to see the new movie coming out and wants to read the books first. I tried doing some online research and only found things saying that there is violence, self-mutilation, murders, gore, etc. I'm not sure what type of self-mutilitation it was meaning and just how violent and gorey (sp?) they are. I think the thing that bothers me the most of what I read is the use of "self-mutilitation" and exactly what that was (I think the review I read that in was for the 4th book) Any suggestions/info would be greatly appreciated!! I've tried to ask different friends/neighbors and they either don't remember anything really standing out that was "bad" or they haven't read them.

Those comments were probably from people that never read the books. They are just FINE for a 12 year old, heck they are fine for an 8 year old. I have no idea what they are talking about with the self-mutilation. Try reading the books again yourself. You need to get about 1/2 way through the 1st book and then they are much better after that. If your DD can watch Scooby Doo without nightmares she will be able to read Harry Potter just fine.

 

[wall*e2008]

They do get darker and darker with each book but I would have no problem letting a 12 year old read them.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I think they are FINE for 12 year olds. They do get darker and more serious as they gone on, but the books are pretty tame throughout. I let my kids read jsut about everything--but even parents who are pretty worried about what their kdis read seem to be okay with these books at this age (unless they ahve religious objections--in which case they object to the entire series).

The only thing the kids and I can think of that one could call self mutilation would be in book 5 (and it took the three of us a while to even think to connect this to the term). In that book a mean teacher forces Harry to write lines as a punishment. She has bewitched the pen in such a way that every time he writes the line it is "cut" into his wrist (and then heals right back up--but he is in pain from it). It is a strech to call it self mutilation as Harry is not choosing to do this to himself. It is one of many things that point to how terrible this teacher is (and is what I think is about the most gruesome thing in any of the books--the idea creeps me out).

 

[Avalon_toon]

The only thing the kids and I can think of that one could call self mutilation would be in book 5 (and it took the three of us a while to even think to connect this to the term). In that book a mean teacher forces Harry to write lines as a punishment. She has bewitched the pen in such a way that every time he writes the line it is "cut" into his wrist (and then heals right back up--but he is in pain from it). It is a strech to call it self mutilation as Harry is not choosing to do this to himself. It is one of many things that point to how terrible this teacher is (and is what I think is about the most gruesome thing in any of the books--the idea creeps me out).

I was just going to say this - it is the creepiest thing in all the books, and is the only thing I can think of that fits the "self-mutilation" idea even remotely. That character - Umbridge? something like that - is the only thing I think is truly scary, and that's because she's closer to the real world than anything else - a truly evil woman put in charge of school children. If you can give your DD some context to understand that character, I think the rest should be fine, even though the books do get darker as they progress.

 

[Metsfan520]

I think they are FINE for 12 year olds. They do get darker and more serious as they gone on, but the books are pretty tame throughout. I let my kids read jsut about everything--but even parents who are pretty worried about what their kdis read seem to be okay with these books at this age (unless they ahve religious objections--in which case they object to the entire series).

The only thing the kids and I can think of that one could call self mutilation would be in book 5 (and it took the three of us a while to even think to connect this to the term). In that book a mean teacher forces Harry to write lines as a punishment. She has bewitched the pen in such a way that every time he writes the line it is "cut" into his wrist (and then heals right back up--but he is in pain from it). It is a strech to call it self mutilation as Harry is not choosing to do this to himself. It is one of many things that point to how terrible this teacher is (and is what I think is about the most gruesome thing in any of the books--the idea creeps me out).

that is creepy--but you're right, it isn't self mutilation, he is forced to do it.

Yes, OP, the books get darker as they go on, but at 12 your child is the right age for it. My nieces & nephews were younger, but they discuss the themes with me (their moms & dads haven't read the books, but I have.) and they seem to understand & are handling all of it OK. In fact, I am planning to take 4 of them to see the new movie.

 

[Nie0214]

Maybe the self-mutilation is Voldemort destroying his soul to try to live forever?

 

[Kit'smommy]

I think they mean Peter cutting his hand off to restore his master at the end of book 4. I really thought the last part of the Goblet of Fire was the worst and most inappropriate part of the entire series.

I would probably let a 12 year old read them. DS and I have been reading the first three outloud, but I am not continuing through the series until he gets a lot older.

 

[HM]

I read the books out loud to my family when the kids were younger. I had to edit out the bits at the end of book four, but that was about it. At age 12, I'm sure I could have read those parts to them. If your child is interested in reading them......I'm all for it.

I've reread the books recently and really enjoyed having the whole story in one big piece...much more enjoyable than when we got them every few years.

 

[bicker]

My impression that the books were written for children no less than a few years younger than the age of the main characters in that book, so children as young as 8 could start reading the series, but the final book is best aimed 15 year olds or thereabouts.

 

[lucybugmom]

Thanks to everyone who has posted a reply! I really appreciate it!! I have tried to read the books, but just can't seem to get into them. It's just not my "thing" I guess. My DD has read the first 3 books probably 3 or 4 times and just absolutely loves them. After all of your replies, we will probably let her continue.

Thanks again!!

 

[Ohiodislover]

My almost 11 Y.O. finished the last book the other day. Her older sister read all of them by age 12 (We stood in line to get the last one, and she had read it all within 36 hours- stayed up ALL night).

They are challenging, but I am amazed at the discussions they are having about the series, and the little things that one or the other, has picked up. Those books have really helped them grow as readers.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Thanks to everyone who has posted a reply! I really appreciate it!! I have tried to read the books, but just can't seem to get into them. It's just not my "thing" I guess. My DD has read the first 3 books probably 3 or 4 times and just absolutely loves them. After all of your replies, we will probably let her continue.

Thanks again!!

Well everyone has there genre.

I love fantasy so this is right up my alley. It is a great series for kids and adults for that matter. 12 is a great age to read them.

The blending of the present and the magical world is what draws me to them. I thought that was the most interesting part of the series (for me).

 

[RUDisney]

If she is on book 3 there is no way she can read them all before the movie comes out.

My DD read all 7 books in 6 weeks last year when she was 12. She said that the longer the books are, the more they sucked her in and the faster she could read them.

Don't count out the tenacity of a 12 yo who's on a mission. But, then, you have one, so you understand that.

I'm only on book #3 and that is because my DD has been bugging me to start them for so long. I'm taking a break from Harry to read The Host (completely not my genre) for a mothers' book club at the library. I'm on page 60 or so and I'm hoping that the story becomes as good as everyone says it does. Then, I'll go back to Harry.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My DD read all 7 books in 6 weeks last year when she was 12. She said that the longer the books are, the more they sucked her in and the faster she could read them.

Don't count out the tenacity of a 12 yo who's on a mission. But, then, you have one, so you understand that.

I'm only on book #3 and that is because my DD has been bugging me to start them for so long. I'm taking a break from Harry to read The Host (completely not my genre) for a mothers' book club at the library. I'm on page 60 or so and I'm hoping that the story becomes as good as everyone says it does. Then, I'll go back to Harry.

Oh yea..my 12yodd can rip thru the books in nothing flat. Although she is reading the Dark Tower series of Steven King and is stuck on book 3 out of 7. She is a little bored with it.

I told her to read what her 18yo sister has to read for college and get a break.

6 days until the movie comes out. This is one I will go see.

 

[lucybugmom]

I'm taking a break from Harry to read The Host (completely not my genre) for a mothers' book club at the library. I'm on page 60 or so and I'm hoping that the story becomes as good as everyone says it does. Then, I'll go back to Harry.[/QUOTE]

I've not heard of The Host. I'm finishing up the 4th Twilight book and I never really thought I'd like those, but a friend of mine kept talking about them and how good they were, so I started and got hooked! As some of my other friends have said ~ it makes us feel like a 13 year old girl reading a love story!

 

[laughinplace199]

DD started reading the HP books at the end of 2nd grade and had read the whole series by the time she started 3rd grade. She had no issues with the violence or "darkness" of the books, but maybe some things went over her head.

 

[Ohiodislover]

6 days until the movie comes out. This is one I will go see.

I just bought DH, and the girls tickets for 12:03 AM show Tues night/Wed morning. I wish I could go too, but I can't go to work on 2-3 hours sleep.

We are planning on going again once it comes out in IMAX. I have to wait till the 29th to see it Any idea on why such the difference in release dates??

 

[RUDisney]

I've not heard of The Host. I'm finishing up the 4th Twilight book and I never really thought I'd like those, but a friend of mine kept talking about them and how good they were, so I started and got hooked! As some of my other friends have said ~ it makes us feel like a 13 year old girl reading a love story!

The Host is also by Stephenie Meyer. I thought because I loved the Twilight series so much, I'd get into The Host. It deals with alien souls taking over for their host body. Eh, we'll see...