HP/children's literature

[A.E.B.Bevan at open.ac.uk]

No: HPFGUIDX 25142

Penny <pennylin at s...> wrote:

>>>>
My argument is that GoF crosses the line for sure into  adult 
literature, and the latter 3 books promise to go even further.  So 
... how to categorize the *series*.  Is it a "childrens' series" just 
because Harry was 11 when it all started?  Seems short-sighted to 
me.  
<<<

I am coming to think of the *series* being about 'growing up' and in 
future years when we have all seven (plus whatever 'textbooks' and so 
on are produced as auxiliaries) it will be seen as something young 
people grow up with, getting to the appropriate books as they grow to 
need what that book offers. A companion in the way.

Books 1-3 could be read by kids from 7 upwards, book 4 maybe ages 9 
to 10 and I suspect that book seven will be best started by 12-13 
year olds. 

I do think we could have some further 'auxiliary' books like QTTA. 

Maybe a Muggle Studies textbook, explaining why Muggles would be 
utterly bewildered by aspects of the Wizarding World the wizard 
community just takes for granted.  For example, Muggles would be 
bewildered by the Hogwarts Express not seeing the points (so obvious 
as to be unremarked) that make it the natural Magical Community way 
to work.  The Jo could give an explanation that of course doesn't 
actually explain but means nit-pickers like us cant moan any more 
about errors...

The textbooks could help keep the younger child enthusiast happy even 
if the main series later books became something "you will understand 
one day. I know you don't like to hear that..."

Just a thought