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(More customer reviews)Reviewed by Kim Peterson for Reader Views (2/06)
J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books are the hot commodity of young adult literature. Consumed by young adults, children and even adults, the fans frequently talk about the series and parents and scholars debate it. Now the Agarwal sisters contribute to the discussions by analyzing the names of Rowling's memorable characters.
As in all literature, well-named and well-developed characters become memorable. The Agarwals' efforts to determine how Rowling developed the unusual names have resulted in an interesting read whether she had the significance of each name in mind or not.
The book leads the reader through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by houses-Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff-followed by other friends and foes. Each character's page begins with a quote about the person from one of the Harry Potter books. An analysis of the character's name derivation and possible significance follows. Many of the names seem well suited to the nature of the character. A full-page illustration by Benjamin Vincent, accompanies each explanation and enhances the perceptions drawn by the Agarwals.
My husband and I read together as we did with each Potter novel. We learned interesting tidbits like nasty toad-like Dolores Umbridge's first name means "pain" in Spanish. Interestingly, Roman Emperor Lucius Septimius Severus rebuilt Hadrian's Wall near the English village of Snape. Pomona, the Roman goddess of gardens and fruits, seems a fitting first name for Professor Sprout. Coincidence or Rowling's plan? My husband and I discussed much of what we read. A few suggestions in the book seemed like a stretch to us, but the majority were interesting and plausible.
The Agarwal sisters, one in fifth grade and one in tenth, began their task as a creative writing project. Their venture grew into a well-written and well-researched fun book. Potter fans, read and enjoy!
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There is no doubt that Harry Potter reigns over the children's literature market. J.K. Rowling's inimitable cast of Harry Potter adventures has ignited the imaginations of children and grown-ups alike all over the world. But how much do you really know about J.K. Rowling's inimitable characters?Did you know that the Harry Potter characters hold secrets behind their names?Hermione, Snape, Crabbe, even Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—all have histories waiting to be discovered.Now, two young fans of the Harry Potter series present a companion book for other readers who can't get enough of Harry and his friends and foes.This book, Friends and Foes of Harry Potter: Names Decoded, reveals the secrets behind the names of the mysterious characters, houses, and pets.Written by young fans, for all fans, this book also offers journaling space, trivia quizzes, and exquisite illustrations by Benjamin Vincent.Authors NIKITA AGARWAL, a fifth-grade student at the Hockaday School, and her sister CHITRA AGARWAL, a sophomore at Lutheran High School, compiled this handy reference book of names while they awaited the publication of Rowling's sixth book in the Harry Potter series.Benjamin Vincent, a talented illustrator, portrays each character with his distinct, endearing style.
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