From: Robin L. Gibson <gibsonro>
Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2000 10:23:28 -0700

I agree with Susan that Harry's family wasn't overdone in book 1; it was necessary background information to prepare us for the dramatic shift in Harry's fortunes. This part of book one really reminds me so much of Roald Dahl's _Matilda_ and the awful parents she is stuck with. I think it really appeals to children too . . . who feel so misunderstood and mistreated by adults (their perception, whether or not it has any basis in reality) . . . wouldn't it be wonderful to discover one day how special you are? No wonder Harry has such an appeal . . .to go from such lowliness to such appreciation. And to discover true friendship for the first time.

It was interesting to learn in Goblet that Harry is somehow magically protected while at the Dursley's residence . . . odd somehow that it could be more inpenetrable than Hogwarts.

And though I wish more children were reading Beowulf and the Lord of the Rings in 2nd and 3rd grade (or do I?), I don't find this is a very common experience. Rowling's books are so much better written than Goosebumps and most other series fiction for children, that it is a joy for me to see them so eager to read it. And from there I can lead them on to Tolkein, or Pullman, or Lewis, or . . .

Robin
&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&* Robin L. Gibson gibsonro at oplin.lib.oh.us Youth Services Coordinator 740/342A94 Perry County District Library 117 S Jackson St New Lexington OH 43764
Received on Fri 08 Sep 2000 12:23:28 PM CDT