It's Just a Book!

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Home : 2001 : August : 29

It's Just a Book!
By Fan of Harry

I never agree with "banning" books on any count. I do agree that as a teacher, we have a certain responsibility to make sure that what we have available to children is appropriate for their age level and maturity. I also
consider myself a Christian and a believer in God. I am also a HUGE Harry Potter fan. There are many themes in the story that would be great to use to discuss in a classroom - good vs evil only being one of them. There is also the fact that Harry is just a little boy going through adolescence trying to fit in just like everyone else. The fact that he is a "wizard" just makes it a little

more difficult for him. Every child can relate to Harry in that way. Yes, witchcraft is a big theme in the book. But it is a fictional account of witches, not a description of the actual wiccan religion. Do you think Wiccans really fly on brooms and play Quidditch? Do you think they really use owls to send messages to each other? Do you think that unicorns and giants and house elves and big three headed dogs are slightly realistic?! The Harry Potter Books, although vivid, are very much a fantasy, and hardly realistic at all. The books make Harry Potter come alive, not wizardry. Also, people need to remember that Harry Potter Books are not a manual for children they are just STORIES. Did anyone ever read the actual book of Mary Poppins? How about Alice in Wonderland? Or a Wrinkle in Time?!There are a few stories that really blow your mind and come alive but they are JUST STORIES!!! And Classics at that. Harry Potter will become a classic, guaranteed, it has all the elements of a great story. And I am all for anything that kids are so into that they cant put down. Their vocabulary is improved, they use their critical thinking skills, and they are transported to a wonderful world of make believe. Would I use them in my classroom? Planning on it. Would I fight with a parent over it? Probably not, but I would try and explain my take on the issue to them. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I just think that everyone needs to keep things in the proper perspective. Harry Potter is nothing but a good story.