Caitlin, Rochester, MN, Age 15
Michael, Corona, CA, Age 12
David, Shallowater, TX, Age 13
Kaitlin, Springfield, MI, Age 14
Roberto, Newark, NJ, Age 10
James, Vancouver, WA, Age 11
Sean, Seal Beach, CA, Age 17
Julia, Palm Harbor, FL, Age 12
Kaacy, Baltimore, MD, Age 9
Tam, Woodstown, NJ, Age 15
Caitlin, Rochester, MN, Age 15
Caitlin recalled trying to retrieve the book from her siblings in order to read the latest Harry Potter: “The …worst danger of possessing a new Harry Potter book in my home is leaving it unguarded. Within seconds someone will pounce on it and run for the bathroom.”
Michael, Corona, CA, Age 12
Michael drew courage from Harry in his battle with cancer: “When I read Harry Potter books it helped me to forget about everything that was happening to me. Harry always beats evil and saves the day. Cancer was the evil thing threatening me, and I beat it!
David, Shallowater, TX, Age 13
David learned about making choices from Harry: “I learned from the Harry Potter books that you cannot control what others think of you. You can only control your own actions. Reading these books helped me deal with my own peer pressures and find my own identity.”
Kaitlin, Springfield, MI, Age 14
Kaitlin made a special bond with her Grandfather reading the Harry Potter books: “His soft, deep voice rang through my ears over the years, as he would sit down and read to me. I know that when he has gone forever, I will still be able to read one of those magical stories that he read me so long ago, and be with him again.”
Roberto, Newark, NJ, Age 10
Roberto found in J.K. Rowling’s books the inspiration to master a new language: “My favorite character is Harry Potter because he is brave. I’m also brave because I was an ESL student when I got to Franklin School and now I can speak English perfectly.”
James, Vancouver, WA, Age 11
James discovered in Harry Potter’s world an escape from the worries in his life: “When reading Harry Potter I forget about all my worries. Like why I’m in foster care, and how I’m going to pay for my next Harry Potter book…[but] I would have done this essay for a penny or even for free.”
Sean, Seal Beach, CA, Age 17
Sean has been inspired by J.K. Rowling to make a difference in the world: “I believe that…Harry Potter’s fantasy world reflects the archetypal hero’s journey that sparks within each of us a desire for greatness.”
Julia, Palm Harbor, FL, Age 12
Julia has been inspired by Harry Potter books to write about the loss of her sister, Olivia. “When Olivia was upset or in pain, my mom would tell me, ‘Talk about something that will cheer her up.’ Harry Potter would make her chuckle. Ms. Rowling brought joy to my sister and continues to help me get through my grief and escape my worries.”
Kaacy, Baltimore, MD, Age 9
Kaacy identified with the Weasley family: “My family is big like the Weasleys and sometimes we don’t always have money for the best things, but we love each other and that’s the most important thing. I think that Harry Potter is the best book ever because it shows that family is about love.”
Tam, Woodstown, NJ, Age 15
Tam learned more about herself reading Harry Potter: “Nothing is more satisfying than seeing things differently or realizing that others relate to emotions I thought I alone could grasp. Harry Potter provides just that. Harry Potter isn’t just about the magic of those inside Hogwarts; they’re about the magic inside Muggles, too.
