OVERVIEW

Divorced and on public assistance, with an infant in tow, J.K. Rowling spent hours and hours in Edinburgh cafes scribing her first Harry Potter book. Dreaming since childhood of being a writer, Rowling wrote two never-published "grown up" novels before developing the idea of Harry Potter in 1990.

Now an award-winning celebrity, her fall 1999 U.S. tour attracted thousands of parents and children. Luncheons with her sold out. Crowds waited in line hours for her announced book signings. A movie has been scripted for her first novel. Currently promoting her third book about Harry Potter’s adventures, Rowling is planning on writing a total of seven books in this series, "one for each year that Harry is at Hogwarts, the school that trains non-Muggles how to use their magical powers and become wizards and sorcerers."

The books have drawn opposition from many audiences, due to their "violence and witchcraft." In fact, the Board of Education for South Carolina is studying whether the books are appropriate for children. When asked about the controversies surrounding her books, she asserts that she "is not trying to promote witchcraft for children and advises those who object to the content not to read the books."

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Have you read any of the Harry Potter books?
2. What do young people in your youth group think about the books?
3. What do they like about the books? What do they dislike?
4. Would you discourage or encourage young people to read them? Why?
5. Do you agree that Rowling is not encouraging kids to become involved in witchcraft? Why?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Harry Potter books are indeed a tread within certain groups of young readers.
2. Youth workers should read at least one of the books, to get a clear understanding of what kids are reading.
3. There is some reason that kids are attracted to this series. It would be a great discussion to pursue what it is that draws kids to these books.

Kathryn Q. Powers cCYS