Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Harry Potter Twentieth Anniversary Reviewed

It is now a classic 

hogwarts express train sign
Harry Potter Train Image from Pixabay.com
It might seem a little silly to do a review of Harry Potter since it has literally been around for twenty years this week. That is kind of my point, though. June 26th marked the twentieth anniversary of the publication of the first book in the series by J. K. Rowling.

The fantasy series geared to the young adult audience soon became an international phenomenon. Children (of all ages it turned out) were captivated by the young wizard Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Their adventures at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry tickled the imaginations and funny bones of children and their parents. The most remarkable feat of all is that it created an awakening of sorts. A generation of new readers rose up out of the fog to READ books.

As each new book in the series was published parents were convinced by their children to wait in long lines at book stores to get their own copy of the book. Libraries couldn't keep the books on the shelves. I don't know about you but I think this was a most wonderful event. Anything that can introduce a child to the joys of reading is a very good thing and J. K. Rowling encouraged millions of children to do just that.

Let's get the next generation reading

So, I've been thinking that there is something we can all do to help the next generation fall in love with reading. It could start with our little friend Harry Potter. To celebrate his twenty years in children's literature, let's get another generation excited. How can we do this, you ask? 

My suggestion is a simple one, really. If you have children in your life who have not been introduced to young Harry, get them a boxed set of the books to begin their reading adventure. Another idea is to purchase single books and donate them. Donate to your local library or to a children's hospital. Find out if there is a local shelter for mothers and children and donate a book or two for them to read. Volunteer to read at the local library or on the cancer ward at a pediatric hospital.

I used to be involved in an outreach program at my church. Every month we visited a shelter for battered women and their children. We had a birthday party for the kids that were there and having birthdays. This would be a great time to give each child a Harry Potter book. So, ask around and see if there is a church near you that does something like that. Donate a book for a birthday child. You could also just visit the shelter and inquire if you could just leave a copy or two for any child that might enjoy reading it.

Let's get another generation of young people excited about reading by introducing them to the magical world of Harry Potter. And thank you J. K. Rowling for sharing your wonderful imagination with the world!




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


5 comments:

  1. I love your ideas Bev Owens for encouraging reading for children. It's a great habit to help them develop and they certainly will with the antics of Harry Potter. I also love the idea of sharing your time with those in need. Hospitals, shelters and even libraries love volunteers that will encourage children to read. Thanks for all your great recommendations.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since Harry Potter and his friends first revealed themselves to the world of Muggles. My son loved these books! Even though he was/is always looking for a great book to read, I do know a lot of his friends who were not avid readers, did read the Harry Potter books. They are definitely a great book collection to have and to give to encourage reading. Excellent suggestion!

    ReplyDelete
  3. When the Harry Potter books first came out, my daughter was already an adult, but she has read every one. As you pointed out, Bev, even adults like Harry Potter. Of course they naturally appeared to her since she loves reading anything in the Science Fiction and Fantasy world. And, your ideas for sharing these books with children in shelters and hospitals is a wonderful one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very hard to believe it's been 20 years since the phenomenon of Harry Potter began. Donating a book (or several, or a set) is a wonderful way to keep the magic of reading alive. Great idea! Happy anniversary, Harry Potter!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have to get with the program and at least watch these movies! My mother finally decided to check out what all the fuss was about (lol), and she enjoyed it! Well, that right there explains why these are global hits! Great gift ideas as you mentioned as well.

    ReplyDelete

Most Recent Reviews on Review This Reviews






Search for Reviews by Subject, Author or Title

The Review This Reviews Contributors



SylvestermouseSylvestermouseDawn Rae BDawn Rae BMbgPhotoMbgPhotoBrite-IdeasBrite-IdeasWednesday ElfWednesday ElfOlivia MorrisOlivia MorrisTreasures by BrendaTreasures by BrendaThe Savvy AgeThe Savvy AgeMargaret SchindelMargaret SchindelRaintree AnnieRaintree AnnieLou16Lou16Sam MonacoSam MonacoTracey BoyerTracey BoyerRenaissance WomanRenaissance WomanBarbRadBarbRadBev OwensBev OwensBuckHawkBuckHawkDecorating for EventsDecorating for EventsHeather426Heather426Coletta TeskeColetta TeskeMissMerFaeryMissMerFaeryMickie_GMickie_G

 


Review This Reviews is Dedicated to the Memory of Our Beloved Friend and Fellow Contributor

Susan DeppnerSusan Deppner

We may be apart, but
You Are Not Forgotten





“As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and or Etsy (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from purchases.” Disclosure Statement

X