Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two: The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two: The Official Playscript of the Original West End Production

book

2017, Children's Books, Arts, Music & Photography

WISE
76%

WISE Score

4.3

Amazon

Harry's a stressed-out dad, his son is a moody Slytherin, and Time-Turners are making a mess of the timeline again.

Amazon4.3
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

Amazon
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble
Libby
Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

It’s the 'eighth story' we all wanted, but maybe not in the format we expected. Since it's a script, you lose the lush, cozy descriptions of Hogwarts that made the original books so immersive.

It reads like the bones of a great story, but it's missing the skin and muscle. That said, for a Potter-obsessed kid, it's essential reading. Just be prepared for 'Dad Harry' to be a bit of a jerk sometimes—turns out saving the world doesn't automatically make you a pro at handling a middle-schooler's angst.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10 and up. Readers really need to have finished the original seven books to understand the stakes, and the script format requires a bit more focus to visualize the action.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

The core of the story is about a father and son trying to find common ground, which is solid. However, Harry is often portrayed as a frustrated, occasionally harsh parent, and the tone is considerably moodier than the earlier books.

Imaginative
85

The 'what-if' scenarios created by the Time-Turner plot are fascinating, showing alternate versions of the Wizarding World. It’s high-concept, even if some of the plot twists feel like high-budget fan fiction.

Safe
90

It's a book, so no digital safety risks. Content-wise, it features standard fantasy violence and some dark imagery (Dementors, alternate dark realities), but nothing more intense than the final three Harry Potter novels.

Enriching
80

It offers a great lesson on the complexity of legacy and the fact that even 'heroes' have flaws. Reading a playscript is also a fantastic way for kids to learn about dramatic structure and stagecraft.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Explores the 'what if' versions of the Wizarding World that fans have wondered about for years.
  • The friendship between Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy is genuinely touching and the best part of the book.
  • It's a very fast read because it's all dialogue, making it less intimidating for kids who struggle with thick novels.
  • Provides a more mature look at the original characters as adults with real-world problems.
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What to Watch For

  • The script format means there are no long descriptions; you have to imagine the scenery yourself.
  • Harry says some pretty hurtful things to his son in the heat of an argument that might be upsetting for younger kids.
  • The plot relies heavily on time travel, which can get confusing if you aren't paying close attention.

Conversation Starters

  • "Do you think Harry is being a fair dad to Albus, or is he putting too much pressure on him?"
  • "If you had a Time-Turner, would you actually use it, or is the risk of breaking the present too high?"
  • "Why do you think Albus and Scorpius became such fast friends despite their fathers' history?"
  • "Which 'alternate reality' in the book was the scariest to you?"

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