Progression of the books

[Jospehine]

No: HPFGUIDX 99358

I am anxiously looking forward to the release of POA later this month 
and after seeing the trailer and how far it seems to have progressed 
since the previous two, found myself wondering about the maturity of 
the upcoming books. I am sure it has been discussed before that PS/SS 
and COS are of a different style than the rest of the series, 
primarily in that they cater to a younger audience and lack the 
subtelty and depth of the ones that follow. 

Each book has since become not only darker, but more mature, dealing 
with "grown up" issues. I know that JK has progressed as a writer, 
but is she intending the books to grow with her *original* fans. For 
example, when the first book came out someone who was 10 then and 
enjoyed PS/SS for the simplicity of it, would now appreciate the 
latest, deeper, volume. But what would be interesting to monitor 
would be if JK continues to write more mature topics, will she lose 
her younger audience? I personally cannot see an average 10 year old 
now enjoying much of GOF or OOTP, nevermind understanding its 
complexities. And when I was ten I wouldn't have wanted to wait until 
I was older to read the rest of the 'Famous Five' series, for 
example. Will these younger readers bypass Harry Potter for another 
author? How 'grown up' can she get before the books are too adult for 
children, and will she make Book 6 inaccessible for them?

My goddaughter is 8, and after being thrilled by PS and COS has since 
stopped reading the series. She stopped halfway through GOF. 

Nevertheless I personally, as a big kid, would very much like to see 
book 6 continue to progress, it would be disastrous to dumb them down 
now. But I would feel sad to see fewer children engrossed in Harry 
Potter.

Wonder away everyone...

Josephine