Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
#7 of 7 in Harry Potter Series
on Goodreads (3,944)
What’s inside...
The final book in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' follows Harry, Hermione, and Ron as they work to destroy the remaining Horcruxes and ultimately defeat Voldemort. Along the way, they learn about the fabled Deathly Hallows and Harry discovers more about his past and his connection to Voldemort. Voldemort issues an ultimatum, demanding that Harry be handed over to him in exchange for sparing Hogwarts and its inhabitants. It's no longer safe for Harry at Hogwarts, so he and his best friends, Ron and Hermione, are on the run. Professor Dumbledore has given them clues about what they need to do to defeat the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, once and for all, but it's up to them to figure out what these hints and suggestions really mean. Their cross-country odyssey has them searching desperately for the answers, while evading capture or death at every turn. At the same time, their friendship, fortitude, and sense of right and wrong are tested in ways they never could have imagined. The ultimate battle between good and evil that closes out this final chapter of the epic series takes place where Harry's Wizarding life began: at Hogwarts. The satisfying conclusion offers shocking last-minute twists, incredible acts of courage, powerful new forms of magic, and the resolution of many mysteries. Above all, this intense, cathartic book serves as a clear statement of the message at the heart of the Harry Potter series: that choice matters much more than destiny, and that love will always triumph over death. Series Information: Eleven-year-old Harry Potter is an orphan living with his cruel aunt and uncle when he makes a discovery that will change his life forever: he is a wizard. He is whisked away to the mystical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn magical skills, from potions to spells to flying on broomsticks. But an evil power is rising, the same one that threatened to destroy the entire world when Harry was only a baby. As Harry learns the truth about his family, his childhood, and his mysterious lightning-bolt-shaped scar, he finds unforgettable friendship, a loving surrogate family, and the courage to face the darkest force ever to menace the wizarding world. These charming and engrossing books bring an intensely detailed and captivating world to life and are perfect for enjoying individually or reading aloud.
Discussion points
How do the friendships in the story change and grow throughout the book, and what does this say about the nature of true friendship?
What difficult choices do Harry, Ron, and Hermione face, and how do they overcome their fears to make these decisions?
In what ways do the characters show bravery, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
What lessons does the book teach us about the power of love and sacrifice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Bring the story to life by discussing parallels between the characters' adventures and challenges that your child may face.
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to the themes of courage, friendship, and perseverance seen in the book.
Ask your child to imagine they are a character in the book and to describe how they might feel or act in various situations.
Highlight the moral dilemmas presented in the story and discuss the importance of making ethical choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the story, Harry relies on the support and sacrifices of his friends Ron and Hermione. Their unwavering loyalty is crucial for overcoming the challenges he faces.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sticking by their friends in tough times and supporting each other, fostering strong and supportive relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The power of self-sacrifice for the greater good
Explanation: Harry's willingness to sacrifice himself to defeat Voldemort exemplifies this powerful theme. This act highlights the importance of putting others' needs before one's own.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the virtue of selflessness and highlights the impact that putting others first can have on the well-being of a community.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters are often faced with difficult choices that have significant consequences. Harry’s decisions particularly underscore the theme that choices define us more than our abilities.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically about the choices they make daily and consider the long-term effects of their actions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Harry consistently shows courage, whether he's fighting dementors or standing up to Voldemort. His bravery inspires other characters to also act courageously.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their fears and challenges bravely, knowing that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to fight despite being afraid.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The characters frequently face setbacks in their quest, but their persistence helps them to eventually succeed. This is highlighted through their continuous efforts to defeat Voldemort.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties and not giving up, fostering resilience and determination in their own challenges.