Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Literature Guide (Scholastic Literature Guides)

Plumbing the depths of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will result in a fascinating exploration of muggle (and wizard) nature. The Harry Potter Literature Guides help educators help their students delve into the hows, wheres, and whys of the Harry Potter series. In the Chamber of Secrets guide, thought-provoking queries are interspersed with more pedestrian lessons in comprehension, vocabulary, and themes. Students are asked to ponder such questions as these:

What does Dumbledore mean when he says, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"? What choices have you made that show who you are?

Slytherin wanted Hogwarts to be a school for full-bloods, a school that excluded those who weren't like him. How does his attitude compare with real prejudices people have had throughout history?

The lightweight 18-page booklet divides the study of the book into chapter groupings, with summary and discussion questions and cross-curricular activities (art, music, writing, drama, literature, logic, etc.). Reproducible handouts and a colorful poster provide more educational opportunities for the savvy, up-to-date teacher. (Ages 8 to 11) --Emilie Coulter