From: steven engelfried <stevene>
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 08:43:25 -0800

The discussion about how the Harry books get "older" each time makes me think of Lloyd Alexander's "Prydain Chronicles." Taran is a boy in the first book, with childish notions about heroism. By the fifth book, he's matured into a man and deals with far more serious choices, responsibilities, and consequences than he faced in the first one. His progress shows in each successive volume; we've seen some of that from Harry
& friends, and I'm sure we'll see more. When Taran has to deal with the death of Coll in "The High King," or choose between eternal youth and responsibilty, it has richer meaning because we know what he's been through to reach that level of maturity. His nobility as a hero means more because we saw how he lacked it at a younger age. Taken by themselves, I think "The Book of Three" is a fine book for 9 or 10 year olds, while "The High King" is more the sort of book a 12 or 13 year old would appreciate best. But the 9 year olds who read "The Book of Three" and continue with the rest of the series are fine, because they sort of "grow" along with Taran. I think that will happen with Harry readers too. The books may get more scary, there may be some deaths, but readers will be sort of prepared by the deaths and suspense they've already experienced.

- Steven Engelfried, Children's Librarian
  Deschutes Public Library System, Bend Branch
  601 NW Wall Street Bend, OR 97701
  ph: 541a7p72 fax: 541a7p73
  e-mail: stevene at dpls.lib.or.us
Received on Tue 16 Nov 1999 10:43:25 AM CST