Customer Reviews
Interesting and plausible 
2006-02-08
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!
Entertaining and informative 
2007-09-04
Written by two sisters who, themselves, are voracious Harry Potter fans, the book contains detailed insights into the origins of the mysterious names of the characters in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. As a special treat, this book also contains numerous illustrations that are so good, they might possibly warrant having their own book.
I believe you will enjoy this book if you enjoyed any of these:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Long on promise, short on delivery. 
2007-05-12
This book is not for you if you are over the age of 8.
I was expecting a serious discussion on the meanings of names, something clearly important in Harry Potter. Mostly, I got character descriptions, things I already knew from reading the books.
Die Hard HP fans only 
2007-02-13
When I first heard about this book, I was excited. I mean, a book that discussed the meanings of the names of the characters! However, this was before I found out it was put together by a high school and middle school sister team. I have to say, they didn't do a lot of research. For the most part their research could consist of them looking up the names in baby name books of some of the main characters from the books and telling the reader what they mean. Then, using several lines from the Harry Potter books as evidence they state how the name defines the character. Each character gets about a paragraph's worth of discussion and even then, about half of it are quotes from the books. The only redeeming quality for this book are the pictures of the characters drawn by Benjamin Vincent. They are quite good.
So I would not recommend this book to anyone who hopes to gain a deeper meaning of the Harry Potter characters and their names, it's just a waste of money. This book should really only be purchased by someone who is an absolute die-hard Harry Potter fan and wants to have everything and anything Harry Potter related.
Another tasty morsel for Potter fans 2007-01-21
For voracious fans of the Harry Potter series, ANYTHING that offers morsels on everyone's favorite boy wizard is a plus. You will not be disappointed here. Not only does "Friends and Foes of Harry Potter" feature the unconditional perspective of some of J.K. Rowling's biggest fans, but it does so from the midst of her demographic, as well. Authors Nikita & Chitra Agarwal were in the fifth and tenth grades, respectively, when they penned this exciting expose into the enchanted world of Hogwarts. Their investigative spirit is infectious.
Not to be outdone, illustrator Benjamin Vincent offers some truly breathtaking original artwork, featuring key characters and locations from the Harry Potter series. The artwork alone is worth the price, as the cover demonstrates. Potter pals, pounce promptly!
Brent Sampson, author of Self-Publishing Simplified.
Same 'ol, Same 'ol 2006-05-06
While an interesting compendium of information, this book tells you nothing that you can't find out on the internet for free. The author(s) would have been better off just starting a website.
