Reading and Censorship of the Harry Potter Novels

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Reading and Censorship of the Harry Potter Novels

J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which have reached worldwide popularity have an effect on children has not been matched by any other book. The novels have encouraged children to read for entertainment instead of turning to television or video games. When a piece of literature inspires children as the Harry Potter novels do, limiting a child’s access to the novels seems ridiculous. Unfortunately, this is what is happening with Harry Potter. The books are challenged and banned in schools and libraries all over the world because parents contend that the content is unsuitable. The content, which revolves around a world full of wizardry and witchcraft, has some parents actively lobbying against the books. These parents believe the books encourage children to practice witchcraft. Additionally, some parents do not believe that the novels are an asset to the learning development of their children. For most children, Rowling’s Harry Potter novels encourage reading. Not only do children read the massive novels in the series, but also they use the Harry Potter series as conduits to other types of literature because their minds are opened to the wonder of the written word. The novels do not advocate witchcraft or evil, which are often the grounds for censoring the novels from children.

Different features of the Harry Potter series can influence children with both good and bad consequences. The most popular reasons for censoring Harry Potter is that the books are centered around a magical community. The plot revolves around Harry and his friends as they learn how to become wizards and witches at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Through Harry’s adventures, there are allu...

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Monk, John. “In Defense of Harry Potter.” 22 Oct. 1999. Kidspeak Online. 28 Oct. 2003. <http://www.kidspeakonline.org/fighthp_defense_A001.html>.

Rosen, Judith. "Booksellers Help Harry Potter." Publishers Weekly. 12 May 2003. 250.19. Ebsco Academic Search Premier. 5 Sept 2003. <http://web25.epnet.com>.

Routledge, Christopher. “Harry Potter and the Mystery of Ordinary Life.” Mystery in Children’s Literature: From the Rational to the Supernatural. Adrienne E. Gavin and Christopher Routledge, Eds. New York: Palgrave, 2001.

Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. New York: Scholastic, 1999.

"'The Chocolate War' Tops 2004 Most Challenged Book List." American Library Association. 2005. 29 March 2005. <http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2005/februarya/2004mostchallengedbook.htm>.

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