The fifth and largest of the Harry Potter Books "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is sometimes criticized for being too long, but this is not a book that is long because the author felt some need to make it long but because she had that much to say. This book is crammed full of story.
From the end of The Goblet of fire it was clear that "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" would have to be a more adult book and it is. With a very important and sad death, and several dark moments. This also deals with more of the politics of the wizarding world as the ministry of magic begins to push its way into Hogwarts. The new defense against the dark arts teacher is Dolores Umbridge who refuses to teach the students any real magic instead focusing only on ministry approved methods as well as spying on the school.
Because of this Harry chooses to teach his own defense against the dark arts class which he names Dumbledore's army. When the ministry becomes aware of this they use it as an excuse to banish Dumbledore from Hogwarts and Dolores Umbridge is made the new headmaster. She tightens the reigns even more eventually making George and Fred start a student revolt, one that is partially aided by the teachers refusal to help Dolores regain control of the school. Because of this the twins are expelled from school and start their own magic tricks and joke shop.
Themes of government control, racism, prophecy, loss and even death fill the pages of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Like in each of the Harry Potter books Harry is forced to stand even more on his own this time losing some of the protection that Dumbledore gave him in Hogwarts and well as becoming a sort of teacher himself. This also marks one of the first times that we truly see Dumbledore's power as he nearly effortlessly deals with the minister of magic, Dolores and two aurors.
Do not let the size of this book scare you away . While there is a definite tone change in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" these books are still fun and have the same general feel. Still, there is some danger of them being too adult for some kids who have enjoyed the previous books. This is a book that is perfect for parents to read at the same time as their children both to give them a way to encourage their children to read and to allow them to continue some of the important discussions that are started in the pages of this book.