Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda
I have the perfect excuse to read the Harry Potter books; I have an eight-year-old niece. I have bought every book to give to her, but, of course, had to read them first, to make sure they were good. They were excellent! And, along with most of the children in America, I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment.
The books begin as Harry, an orphan staying with his aunt, uncle and cousin, who all despise him, discovers he is a wizard. There is a special wizard school, and Harry is to attend. The wizard sport, played on broomsticks of course, is fascinating. The interaction between the children, and between the teachers and children, could happen in any school, with the exception of the magical aspects!
I have heard some rumblings about witchery and the Harry Potter books, but I find these books much like Bed-knobs and Broomsticks, by Mary Norton, in tone; a lovely British romp. The author is careful to not use British terms, but rather wizard terms, which have to be explained to everyone.
It’s interesting to note that the problems Harry has at school are problems most kids will be able to identify with. There are children who don’t like Harry because of who he is, and adults who seem to pick on him for the same reason. He has a friend whose parents are not wizards, and she is looked down upon by some of the children because of that. Sound a bit like current day prejudices? The British have never had the idea of fair play that Americans often have, and it’s nice to see a children’s book that understands that children are not treated fairly.
Most of all, however, this is a lovely story! Something to share with the children in your life. Each book is a new year of Harry’s life, and a new mystery unraveled. And regardless of the age of the child, any book that gets children reading is a wonderful book.
Oh, yes, and my niece? She’s most of the way through book two, all on her own. Not bad for an eight-year-old!