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Parents' guide to, harry potter and the order of the phoenix: harry potter, book 5.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Harry Potter, Book 5 Poster Image

  • Common Sense Says
  • Parents Say 24 Reviews
  • Kids Say 117 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Carrie R. Wheadon

J.K. Rowling mixes up a more intense brew in fifth book.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series about an orphan boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As in Book 4, a major character dies at the end, but this time it's an adult and he's heavily mourned. Another adult is…

Why Age 10+?

An adult major character dies and is heavily mourned. Another is brutally attack

Several references to the drunkenness of minor characters (Winky the house elf,

"Damn," "dammit," and "hell," said rarely. "Effing" said once, spelled like that

Student couples kiss in a tea shop with lots of talk about who's going out with

Any Positive Content?

The whole series is full of positive messages about the power of love, friendshi

J.K. Rowling borrows from many established stories and myths to piece together h

Harry is really angry in this book, at his cruel aunt and uncle, and then at the

There's a little diversity at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan is described as having dreadl

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in J.K. Rowling' s Harry Potter series about an orphan boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As in Book 4 , a major character dies at the end, but this time it's an adult and he's heavily mourned. Another adult is brutally attacked by a snake and almost dies. Students fight adults and are injured (knocked out, broken nose, broken ankle) and tortured with a curse that causes intense pain. And during Professor Umbridge's detention, students' hands scar and bleed thanks to her special pen for writing lines. There are fistfights, and spooky Dementors who try to suck out a soul. One teacher is knocked out by a spell, two teachers are attacked by wizards and centaurs, and another teacher remembers his childhood of being bullied. Harry and friends hear many stories about how many died or were tortured the last time Voldemort was in power, including Harry's parents. Harry is 15 now and dating, and at one point he's surrounded by kissing couples at a tea shop. Language is pretty mild with mostly "damn." A few minor characters drink heavily and smoke a little. Most readers comment about how angry Harry seems in this book. At the start of Order of the Phoenix , he's in trouble all the time for his temper, but he slowly learns how to channel that anger into something positive: training his fellow students how to fight the dark arts. He becomes a leader and a teacher in this group of students and is proud of his pupils. Parents who want to learn more about the series (and spin-off movies and games) can read our Harry Potter by Age and Stage article .

Violence & Scariness

An adult major character dies and is heavily mourned. Another is brutally attacked by a snake and almost dies. Students fight adults and are injured (knocked out, broken nose, broken ankle) and tortured with a curse that causes intense pain. Students' hands scar and bleed during Professor Umbridge's detention. Fistfights and spooky Dementors try to suck out a soul. One teacher is knocked out by a spell, two teachers are attacked by wizards and centaurs, another remembers his childhood of being bullied. A giant is pelted with arrows, an owl gets a broken wing. Stories of giants beheaded and fighting. Stories of men possessed and a hospital patient being strangled by a plant. Many stories about how many died or were tortured the last time Voldemort was in power, including Harry's parents.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Several references to the drunkenness of minor characters (Winky the house elf, Professor Trelawney, Hagrid, Rita Skeeter) and a scene with children in a bar, where it's implied that the shady bartender might be willing to serve them alcohol. A brief mention that Dudley is smoking on street corners with his friends, Professor Grubbly-Plant smokes a pipe, and Mundungus smokes a pipe until Molly Weasley tells him to put it away. Adults drink wine with dinner.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Damn," "dammit," and "hell," said rarely. "Effing" said once, spelled like that.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Student couples kiss in a tea shop with lots of talk about who's going out with whom. Ron makes a joke about Uranus.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

The whole series is full of positive messages about the power of love, friendship, and self-sacrifice. In this book, how do you rebel against unjust authority successfully? Not through angry outbursts, but through teamwork, skill, and smarts (and a bit of mischief for good measure). The wise Sorting Hat reminds Hogwarts students that they must unite against evil or they will crumble from within. Hermione reminds everyone not to leave homework until the last minute. Also, respect and show empathy for all creatures.

Educational Value

J.K. Rowling borrows from many established stories and myths to piece together her magical world. Kids can look up more about centaurs, elves, giants, hippogriffs, boggarts, magic wands, flying brooms, etc., compare the author's take with other interpretations, and think about how and why she weaves these magical elements and beings into her stories.

Positive Role Models

Harry is really angry in this book, at his cruel aunt and uncle, and then at the Ministry of Magic and Professor Umbridge, for calling him a liar and lying to the public about Voldemort's return. He begins the book in trouble all the time for his temper and slowly learns how to channel that anger into something positive: training his fellow students how to fight the dark arts. He becomes a leader and a teacher in this group of students and is proud of his pupils. He also takes the opportunity when it arises to tell the truth to anyone who would listen. Ron learns his own lessons in this book about not getting rattled and building confidence in himself on the Quidditch pitch. Neville also shows the first signs of the hero he will become with his fierce determination to learn and his bravery when faced with the enemy. Adults in the Order of the Phoenix look out for Harry and friends, though the usually reliable Dumbledore is pretty absent from Harry's life in this book until the end.

Diverse Representations

There's a little diversity at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan is described as having dreadlocks and Angelina Johnson, now Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, is Black. Kingsley Shacklebolt in the Order of the Phoenix is also Black. Harry dates Cho Chang and the Patil twins are both in Dumbledore's Army. Many characters face discrimination in the wizarding world, especially for not being "pure-blood," or in Hagrid's case, for being part giant. Some diverse family structures are described: Harry lives with his aunt and uncle and Neville with his grandmother. Ron's insecurity over being from a poorer family comes up a lot. Women have prominent roles at Hogwarts: Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout are both heads of houses, Professor Umbridge works high up in the Ministry of Magic, plus there are plenty of girls on the Quidditch house teams. Some negative language regarding the body type of Dudley and his father and Malfoy's Slytherin friends Crabbe and Goyle.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update .

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

  • Parents say (24)
  • Kids say (117)

Based on 24 parent reviews

Just Like the movie

What's the story.

In HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, Harry is spending another miserable summer at his aunt and uncle's house when he and his cousin Dudley are attacked by a pair of Dementors. Defending himself with the Patronus charm in the presence of a muggle lands Harry in all kinds of trouble with the Ministry of Magic. The wizards there are looking for any reason to punish and discredit him -- they don't want to believe that Voldemort is alive and gathering his Death Eaters once again. It takes a trip to the Ministry and lots of help from Dumbledore to clear Harry's name and get him back to Hogwarts for another year. Harry is relieved to be there until he meets the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, the Ministry's most ruthless defender, Dolores Umbridge. Harry can't control his outrage when she calls him an attention-seeking liar, refuses to teach real defensive magic (because what would a bunch of children need it for?) and starts censoring and firing the other Hogwarts teachers. He has to do something to fight back against Umbridge and prepare for the inevitable: the day he must face Voldemort again.

Is It Any Good?

This exciting installment pits Harry against inept politicians, cruel teachers, and his number-one foe, Voldemort, who is indeed back no matter what the Ministry says. Harry faces so many trials this challenging school year, many thanks to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and toad-like Ministry toadie, Dolores Umbridge. She seems determined to get that "liar" Harry Potter expelled, or almost worse, off the Gryffindor Quidditch team for good. Harry can't control his temper whenever the aptly named Umbridge is around. He also can't seem to control his own body and emotions, a development both fascinating and frightening. Harry has repetitive dreams of long hallways and locked doors, sudden bursts of feeling that aren't his, and a regular prickling sensation in his scar. He suspects his connection to Voldemort has grown stronger with his return and is proven right when, in his sleep, Harry witnesses -- and is unwittingly a part of -- a vicious attack. Readers will be worrying as Harry does just how deep the connection goes and who will get attacked next.

They'll have to wait a bit to uncover that mystery. The school year is a busy one in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix , what with the first real exams looming, Harry's attempts at dating, and super-secret meetings of a Defense Against the Dark Arts club -- Hermione's brilliant idea. And then there are the Weasley twins' rebellious antics that provide one of the most satisfying cheer-out-loud moments of the entire series. If only Harry's fifth year could end on that high note, but when has a year at Hogwarts ever ended peaceably? The inevitable showdown is a nail-biter, and even more exciting because Harry's got a crew of friends along to fight with him – hooray for Neville, Luna, and Ginny. And in the wake of another tragic loss, it's finally time for Dumbledore to tell all he knows. It's a startling revelation that sets up the even more intense showdowns in the Harry Potter books to come. Get ready.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about anger in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . With Dolores Umbridge around, there's plenty to be mad about. When Harry rages at Umbridge, what are the consequences? Which version of Harry are you when you face an injustice? How much harder is it to decide to do something about injustice than stew in anger over it?

Why did Harry 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?

What does Dumbledore mean when he says that the fountain in the Ministry of Magic depicting witches and wizards ruling over other magical creatures "told a lie"? How would this magical world be different if centaurs, house elves, and goblins were treated as equals? What other books do you read that question the way class or race are viewed in society? How many of them are fantasies?

Book Details

  • Author : J. K. Rowling
  • Illustrator : Mary Grandpre
  • Genre : Fantasy
  • Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Friendship , High School , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
  • Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
  • Publication date : June 21, 2003
  • Number of pages : 870
  • Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
  • Award : ALA Best and Notable Books
  • Last updated : June 23, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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harry potter 5 book review

Book Review

Harry potter and the order of the phoenix — “harry potter” series.

  • J.K. Rowling
  • Adventure , Fantasy

harry potter 5 book review

  • Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc.

Year Published

This is the fifth installment in J.K. Rowling’s seven-book Harry Potter series. At nearly 900 pages (and containing more words than the New Testament) Rowling’s latest endeavor remains true to her imaginative, unpredictable, Roald Dahlish style, but as Harry matures, so does the nature of the story.

Though more protracted and perhaps less charming than the earliest books, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is nevertheless well-written and engaging. Less blatantly “spiritual” and more character-driven than the recent Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire, Phoenix is still dark from the outset, and families must still navigate all of the spells, sorcery and intense conflict inherent to the series. Written more for teens than tweens, Phoenix finds Harry increasingly sullen and angst-ridden as he faces trials of adolescence at Hogwarts. Parents who allow teens to read this book should be prepared to invest in it themselves. Spiritual snags will make it problematic for many Christian families.

Picking up only four weeks after Harry’s bitter-sweet triumph over Voldemort in The Goblet of Fire, the story deviates from the excitement generally surrounding the start of a Hogwarts term. Harry is deeply angry at having been almost completely cut off from the magical world and stuck once more on Privet Drive. Reduced to hiding in the flower bed outside a window to hear any Muggle news which may reveal Voldemort’s actions or whereabouts, Harry’s anxiety is clear: Ongoing nightmares about his own torture and a schoolmate’s murder by Vodemort plague him, as do feelings of betrayal by his wizarding friends who have kept him in the dark throughout the summer.

The oppressiveness of the blood sacrifice and murder in the last installment resurfaces here in an early Dementor attack on Harry and Dudley in which Harry is forced to use magic to save his cousin’s life. It’s a no-no to use spells outside of Hogwarts, so Harry gets called before the Ministry of Magic and risks being expelled and having his wand snapped. Along the way Harry becomes aware that he is not as forgotten as he thought, and has been the focus of protective efforts by The Order of the Phoenix.

Harry is eventually reunited with the Weasley family, Hermione, and Sirius. And the youngsters begin to piece together the purpose of The Order of the Phoenix. Readers, meanwhile, begin to see how much Harry has changed through his experiences. No longer the unsure, humble boy of The Sorcerer’s Stone, this 15-year-old struggles with pride when he senses that the members of the Order don’t feel he’s ready to fight along with them. His anger and resentment of Dumbledore grows throughout the book as the Headmaster distances himself from Harry under confusing circumstances.

Furthering the angst, both Ron and Hermione have become school prefects, somewhat breaking up the heroic threesome. And Harry realizes that he is once again the focus of much gossip, and that even some of his close friends do not believe his account of what happened with Voldemort and Cedric Diggory at the end of Goblet. The sociopolitical climate of the wizarding world has changed over the summer, and Dumbledore has come under great persecution for saying that Voldemort has returned, a fact that Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic, adamantly denies.

In between magical missions and battles, Harry spends his school days learning to relate to a girlfriend, handling his own pride when Ron begins to gain special honors, and finding out who he is apart from Quidditch, his parents and the professors who have guided him all his wizarding life. The story ends with a stunning, full revelation of a heretofore half-expressed prophecy. And Harry returns to Privet Drive with assurances that The Order of the Phoenix will be watching over him during holiday. …

Redemptive Elements

Rowling continues to develop themes such as loyalty, friendship, bravery and humility. When Harry discovers the possibility of pride in himself and in James, he is repulsed and realizes that a humble attitude is a good thing.

Most adults (who are not overtly despicable) are treated with respect and their judgment is trusted by the students. (However, Harry rarely turns to these adults when pressed.)

In his growing awareness of human nature, Harry begins to value and respect the “odd unfortunates.”

Power hunger and absolute power are seen as corrupting. Some parents who chose to allow their teens to read Phoenix may use the story to explore such concepts as Nazism (Death Eaters believe in allowing only pure-blood wizards to live) and Democracy (the breakdown in balance of power is what allows Cornelius Fudge and Delores Umbridge to make a mess of things).

Using critical thinking skills becomes necessary for Harry’s survival. Although he’s not particularly good at it sometimes, he learns that his own approach to viewing his world is not necessarily the most prudent way of going about life. He is forced to evaluate his motives and actions, an integral part of maturing for any human. (Harry’s blindness to Voldemort’s plan is obvious to everyone around him, but Harry is unwilling to admit his lack of control until it is too late.)

Negative Content

As in all of these books, witchcraft is a significant issue. And though Phoenix is more character-driven, readers will still be exposed to such staples of the magical world as frog spawn, blood, potions, demons and divination. Likely to be considered the weakest book in the series, Phoenix does feel less oppressive than the two most previous novels. However, the line between “good” magic and “bad” is hazier. And because magic and morality are intertwined in the story, teens may draw some disconcerting conclusions as they try to sort out their own beliefs about sorcery, good and evil.

Of concern is the pragmatic nature with which morality is treated. Harry frequently lies to avoid trouble or confrontation. Even Dumbledore lies to protect Harry. When the motherly Mrs. Weasley doesn’t approve of Mundungus, a member of the Order and self-admitted thief, she tells him, “I don’t know where you learned about right and wrong, Mundungus, but you seem to have missed a few crucial lessons.” That sounds good, but with the absence of God and absolute truth, where has Mrs. Weasley’s concept of right and wrong come from? And how should young readers interpret the moral input from the more respectable adults in the story?

After Firenze, a Centaur, is banished from his herd, he comes to Hogwarts to teach Divination and Astrology. Portrayed as a mystical, wise character, he teaches the students that humans are seriously limited in knowing anything of the future, but that they may have some success learning the ways of the Centaurs (reading the heavens and burning herbs for signs of what’s to come). In the end Harry decides that Firenze’s priority is “that nothing, not even centaurs’ knowledge was foolproof.” This episode might be discerned as a reviling of the whole divination concept. However, since the lynchpin of Phoenix is Madame Trelawney’s prophecy (which Dumbledore admits is true), readers are exposed to nothing less than a spiritual mishmash.

On a less mystical note, one disturbing point of the story—particularly in light of the current trend of teen “cutting”—is Harry’s detention punishment by Umbridge. Forced to use a magical quill to write the words “I must not tell lies” repeatedly, Harry feels the words cut into the back of his hand momentarily, then magically heal, preparing for the next pass. He is subjected to hours of this punishment, and his mastery of the pain becomes, in his mind, a weapon of control against Umbridge.

Violence is intense in places—too much so for young readers. Events after Hagrid’s diplomatic journey to the giants lead to his being bludgeoned repeatedly. One giant has his head ripped off. And in Harry’s dreams where Voldemort is involved, imagery is both gruesome and graphic.

[Spoiler Warning] Dumbledore tells Voldemort that the dark wizard’s weakness is in failing to understand that there are worse things than death. When Sirius comes to Harry’s aid against the Death Eaters in the Ministry of Magic, he is cursed and killed by his cousin Bellatrix. (He falls behind a curtained arch from which voices whisper and return is impossible.) In the days that follow, Harry learns from Nearly Headless Nick that wizards can leave a pale imprint of themselves to wander the earth in the form of a ghost, but that few do. Instead, most chose to “go on.” Meaning that Ghosthood is basically wizard cowardice. Later, Luna Lovegood tells Harry she believes that she will see her dead mother again someday. “You heard them, just behind the veil, didn’t you? … In that room with the archway. They were just lurking out of sight, that’s all.”

Rowling has stated that she believes in God and that accusations of Harry Potter books leading kids into sorcery are rubbish. (Though evidence suggests a heightened interest in the subject among children.) How sad that such an imaginative, gifted writer lacks the spiritual insight to give Harry, Luna and a legion of Potter fans the simple, illuminating truth about death—and life—found in Scripture. What readers are left with is a saga steeped in witchcraft that, because of skillful storytelling and pro-social morals, has many families ignoring its spiritual counterfeits.

Plot Summary

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