From: Rebecca Wineke <rawineke>
Date: Sun, 14 Nov 1999 13:00:19 CST

When I have had parents asking me about the Harry Potter books, I have tried to stay steadfast in my recommendations that these books are for 5th graders and up, with some good 4th grade readers included as well. They then look disappointed because it seems these parents usually have 3rd graders at home. Rather than tell them it is inappropriate for their child, I try to explain that the fantasy elements are very complicated and if their third grader is used to reading or listening to books about dragons and witches and magic then they would probably be okay; but many kids have not been exposed to anything like that and the Harry Potter books might overwhelm them.

This seems to help them make the choice for their own child, and I try to also show them other books that I think a third grader would really like. I don't think that every kid of every age needs to read this book just because it is a best seller. They will grow into it soon enough. Just my opinion.

Becky Wineke Children's Librarian Fremont Public Library

        -------------------------as teachers and peers) have been pushing them on younger kids. They >have to


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Received on Sun 14 Nov 1999 01:00:19 PM CST