Harry Potter not a children's book?

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 23832

Hi --

So many interesting threads going on, and I'm largely computer-less!
(I'm moving back into my house at long last)

Sofie wrote:

> My main point is the characters. Apart from Voldemort, not a single
> character could be described as entirely evil.

I can't resist a "me too" to the other posts pointing out that the above
is indicative of the opposite argument.  That is, the nuances in &
complexity of many of the HP characters point *against* the books being
classified as standard childrens' literature.  Many classic childrens'
books feature cardboard cut-out black & white characters.

> <snip commentary about JKR not wanting to scare her children readers>
> JKR is a mother who reads Harry Potter to her child, I don't think she
> could bear to subject Jessica to that knowledge.

Take a look at the JKR FAQ --

http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/faq/

I don't think Steve has uploaded the re-converted version with all my
footnotes in it, but JKR has been crystal clear in scores of interviews
on this subject.  She didn't write the books to a target audience.  She
doesn't intend to "tone it down" in future books in the series.  She
thinks some parents are making a mistake in letting children who are too
young get hooked into the series ("I know what's comings," she says).
She has the series all mapped out, and she doesn't intend to deviate
from that course.

Penny
(who may have time to read, digest & respond to some of the other
interesting threads a bit later .... stranger things have happened)


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