Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Scholastic, Inc. Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, an Imprint of Scholastic Press. Rowling, J.K. (1999). Harry Potter and the prisoner of azkaban. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, an Imprint of Scholastic Press. Rowling, J.K. (2000). Harry Potter and the goblet of fire. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, an Imprint of Scholastic Press. Rowling, J.K. (2002). Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix.

OVERVIEW

Joanne Rowling changed her pen name to J.K. because her publisher did not think her books would do well if it was known that she was a female. The importance of her name is uncertain, but her current popularity is undeniable. In November of 1999, 8.2 million copies of the three Potter books were sold in the United States. Four more books are to come by 2003. The fourth book was being sold even before it went on the shelves. Some people bought the book directly from England via the Internet.

The Harry Potter series tells a fictional tale of a young wizard boy discovering the truth of his past, what the past means to his present, and how it all relates to his future. Rowling wants the books to be entertaining for young and old. Readers will find violence, intrigue, and mayhem in the series as well as friendship, courage, and loyalty. Rowling readily admits that these books get scarier and darker as they progress, and with this admission, she makes it clear that the books are not for a young audience. Rowling has openly discussed the high maturity level of the books. In the Harry Potter series, she has created a fantasy world of wizards and witches that many readers have enjoyed allowing their imaginations to follow. The story of Harry Potter is woven together in such a way to keep the reader turning the pages in excited anticipation. Many readers anxiously await each new book as Harry grows older in each one and discovers more about his life.

As the tale unfolds, Harry first learns that he is a wizard. From there he learns what it is to be a wizard, and a famous one at that. The reputation of the Potter name precedes Harry. Everyone knows about the "famous Harry Potter" who was not killed by "You-Know-Who" on the night that his parents were murdered. In each book, the reader discovers how the pieces of Harry’s life fit into a puzzle. The mystery around the death of Harry’s parents unravels through the twists and turns of Rowling’s series. The skill and knowledge of Harry becomes obvious as he attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He discovers much about his past on his own, does well in school, and demonstrates his ability on the Quidditch field. Harry receives special permission to play the wizard game of Quidditch as a first year student, because he shows great agility on a broomstick. In each book, the reader is taken on adventures of Quidditch games and escapades. The Sorcerer’s Stone is the first of the series.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry learns that his parents were wizards and were murdered by an evil wizard—Lord Voldemort—who was trying to gain more control. Harry also learns that he gets to attend a special school for wizards, Hogwarts. He does not have to live with his cruel Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and Cousin Dudley. Harry has lived with the Dursleys since his parents’ death. Through the book, Harry learns more details about Lord Voldemort’s (or as other wizards refer to him, "You-Know-Who") murderous attack on his parents. Harry survived the assault, but was left with a lightning-shaped scar that proves to be a constant reminder and key to his future. During his first year at Hogwarts, Harry learns about the sorcerer’s stone, a well-protected treasure that gives immortality to whoever possesses it. So Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, take it upon themselves to keep Lord Voldemort from obtaining the stone by learning how to get past all the spells the professors put on the stone so that no one could get to it. Harry, Ron, and Hermione must beat Lord Voldemort to the stone so that he does not achieve immortality.

The second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, starts with Harry back at the Dursleys, who still dislike him and his wizard ways. After leaving the Dursleys and returning to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry finds himself a part of another mystery involving Lord Voldemort. During Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, four students and a cat have been turned to stone by something or someone roaming the halls of the school. A few people suspect Harry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione once again get to the bottom of the mystery with the help of a ghost in a girls’ bathroom. Myrtle, the ghost, helps the three friends find the secret chamber that is rumored to have been built by Slytherin for his heir to one day open and purge the school of those not worthy to study magic. Slytherin is a founder of the school and was not a supporter of letting in witches or wizards who had any muggle (non-wizard) blood in them. He wanted only pure-bloods in the school, so he created a chamber that held a monster. After Hermione is attacked by this monster and is frozen into stone, Harry and Ron learn that the monster is a basilik—king of the serpents—with a murderous stare. Harry again fights to save himself, his friends, and the school. In the fight, he learns that when Voldemort attacked his parents, some of his powers were transferred into Harry. So, the two have common powers—such as the ability to speak to snakes—that are not common to all those with magical ability. In the end, Harry’s second school year has passed and Harry faces another summer at his relatives, the Dursleys.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, is the third book of the series. In this book, Harry is haunted by the escape of Sirius Black, a prisoner from Azkaban, a jail for wizards. Black is in prison for killing 13 people with a single curse. It is believed that he will go to Hogwarts in search of Harry. Many people believe that Black was affiliated with Voldemort. Harry finds out that Black was a friend of his parents and he thinks that Black gave away his parents’ hiding place. James and Lily Potter, Harry’s parents, knew that Voldemort was after them, so they went into hiding. They made Sirius Black their secret-keeper who then supposedly gave them up to Voldemort that resulted in their murder.

Sirius Black was taken to Azkaban. As the story progresses, Harry learns that his father was an animagus—one who is able to change into an animal. James Potter was friends with two others who had also learned to turn into animals so that they could help keep a werewolf friend of theirs from harming people during a full moon. It is also revealed that Sirius Black is Harry’s godfather and was not the one who revealed the hiding place of Harry’s parents. However, the one who did give away Harry’s parents escapes. Thus, Sirius is left to take the blame for the death of Harry’s parents and of the 13 people. Harry, Ron, and Hermione help Sirius Black escape by using Hagrid’s hippogriff and the spell Hermione had been using to take more classes than the average student. Hagrid is the gamekeeper and a good friend of the trio who becomes the professor of Care of Magical Creatures. One of his creatures is a bit rough with a student and is sentenced to death, but is saved by helping Black to escape. Once again, Harry finds himself facing a summer at the Dursleys after another adventure-filled year. To keep him happy for the summer, he has a note from Sirius permitting him to visit Hogsmeade, a magical town, next school year.

The longest book of the series so far, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is filled with more exciting action and captivating intrigue. Ron’s father helps Harry leave the Dursleys early because of the World Quidditch Cup. Harry is happy to leave. At the game, some Death Eaters make an appearance that causes a panic because they are loyal to Lord Voldemort. Authority figures are nervous about the Death Eaters and are not sure what to expect. At Hogwarts, Harry, Ron, and Hermione learn about the Triwizard Tournament that Hogwarts is hosting. Two other witchcraft and wizard schools will be bringing some of their top students to compete in the tournament. From each school, one name is chosen from the Goblet of Fire to represent the school. Somehow Harry’s name makes it into the goblet even though he is too young; he is chosen as a fourth competitor. Most people suspect that Harry connived his way into the tournament, but he is as surprised as everyone else. However, once his name has been drawn, he must compete. Sirius Black, Harry’s godfather, is in contact with Harry throughout the school year. Black helps Harry to be aware of what is happening and encourages him. With help from friends and acquaintances, Harry does well in the tournament. At the end of the tournament, Harry ties with another opponent and they are transported to a cemetery where Lord Voldemort is waiting for Harry. It is revealed that Voldemort is the mastermind behind getting Harry into the tournament and to the cemetery. Harry uses his knowledge and skill as a wizard to escape from Voldemort, but not before Voldemort is restored to his full power. The end of the book leaves the readers anxious to find out what Voldemort does to gain the control he wants and to see what Harry faces in his next adventurous year of school. The fourth book has Harry returning to the Dursleys, because that is where he is safe.

QUOTATIONS

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Hagrid looked at Harry with warmth and respect blazing in his eyes, but Harry, instead of feeling pleased and proud, felt quite sure there had been a horrible mistake. A wizard? Him? How could he possibly be? He’d spent his life being clouted by Dudley, and bullied by Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon; if he was really a wizard, why hadn’t they been turned into warty toads every time they’d tried to lock him in his cupboard? If he’d once defeated the greatest sorcerer in the world, how come Dudley had always been able to kick him around like a football? (p. 57, paperback)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

‘Famous Harry Potter,’ said Malfoy. ‘Can’t even go into a bookshop without making the front page.’ (p. 61)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

When the dementors approached him, he heard the last moments of his mother’s life, her attempts to protect him, Harry, from Lord Voldemort, and Voldemort’s laughter before he murdered her… (p. 184)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry was able to answer that at once. Yes, someone wanted him dead, someone had wanted him dead ever since he had been a year old...Lord Voldemort. But how could Voldemort have ensured that Harry’s name got into the Goblet of Fire? Voldemort was supposed to be far away, in some distant country, in hiding, alone...feeble and powerless... (p. 283)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. What are the potential dangers of adolescents reading fictitious tales of wizards?
2. Can this be viewed as a simple story of good defeating evil? Why?
3. How can adults protect youth from researching witchcraft?
4. Why are people willing to read these books over and over again?
5. What makes Rowling’s books such a fascinating set of literature for young and old readers?
6. Do the books encourage witchcraft? How?

IMPLICATION

Adults need to know about the Harry Potter series because youth are reading this for entertainment. Harry is a popular fictional character with whom many children are obsessed. J.K. Rowling has told how she receives letters from children begging to be admitted into Hogwarts. Adults need to be aware what youth are reading. It is important to see what is so enticing about the books. There is a lot of concern about the magic in the book. There are conservative adults who believe that the books are evil and may tempt children into witchcraft. Others think that the books are a good resource for children to see the virtues of compassion, loyalty, courage, and friendship. Harry Potter never mentions any real witchcraft or Satanic group. These books are fantasy. The books are scary with violence and evil lurking, but the good side wins. With parental and/or adult supervision, the books may be read for entertainment.

Jessie R. Bicknell cCYS