Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (J. K. Rowling)

This fourth volume in the Harry Potter series takes a decided turn toward a darker narrative, as Harry has to deal not only with the dangers of the Triwizard Tournament, with events that killed champions in the past, and the increasingly dire threats of the evil  wizards, but the more mundane but equally painful challenges of asking a girl to the big dance. In this story, various wizards pay the ultimate price in the war between good and evil, including one of the young wizards. I'm not convinced the elaborate plot for  Harry's life was justified, but the book is definitely worth it for its creativity and its staunch celebration of courage, loyalty, and friendship.