Censoring and Challenging J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter Series
It is nearly impossible to mention censored and challenged
children’s books without mentioning J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The
series was number one on the American Library Association’s Top 100 Banned and
Challenged Books between 2000 and 2009. They were the most frequently
challenged books in 2001 and 2002, and second most challenged in 2003. The
books have sparked controversy and debate concerning the level of violence,
themes of death and loss, and the ever-present inclusion of witchcraft. Most of
the controversy has ties to strictly religious sects of the world. However,
despite the controversy and challenge, these books have an unbelievable
following even 20 years after the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s
Stone, was published in 1997. This has culminated in a billion dollar movie
franchise and Harry Potter theme parks on more than one continent. One only has
to type Harry Potter into a favorite search engine to see the reach and
scope of this global phenomenon.
Knowing this, it is not surprising that the series has also
reached into the classroom. There are
hundreds of online sources for teachers and educators to incorporate the
popular series into classroom lessons and even classroom management solutions. The
reading level for the original seven novels in the series ranges between the 5th
and 7th grade. However, the books are also famous for attracting not
only children of all ages but also adults. The dynamic audiobooks have also
broadened this age range to younger children and those with reading and
attention deficit disabilities. Some teachers and educators are using the
themes highlighted throughout the series to promote dynamic discussions/debates
concerning the truth of excerpts such as:
·
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand
up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends." (The
Sorcerer's Stone, page 306)
·
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what
we truly are, far more than our abilities." (The Chamber of Secrets, page
333)
·
"You think the dead we loved ever truly
leave us? You think that we don't recall them more clearly than ever, in times
of great trouble? You know, Harry, in a way, you did see your father last
night. You found him inside yourself." (The Prisoner of Azkaban, pages
427-428)
So, despite the fanatical religious objections to the
occult/witchcraft themes present throughout the books, I find the books have a
nearly endless supply of educational opportunities weaved in and out of the
various plot lines. J. K. Rowling managed to examine vitally important and
difficult topics with ingenious results. Themes such as, the permanence of
death, socioeconomic equality, racial/religious discrimination, good vs. evil,
and the importance of love and friendship are all discussed in some way
throughout the series. Mixed in with the lovable characters, action packed
adventures, and J. K. Rowling’s wonderfully imaginative wizarding world is
there any wonder so many children and adults have developed a love of reading
because of their contact with the beloved series?
If you are interested in using the series in your classroom
checkout these educational/classroom sources:
If you want to know specific Lexile scores and grade levels
for individual books check out this source:
If you wish to further examine some of the debates for and against
the series check out these sources:
http://www.mugglenet.com
https://www.pottermore.com
https://www.jkrowling.com
If you wish to examine other banned books or frequently challenged books consider these sources:
http://www.ala.org
