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Reflection 2
Amanda Deems

FREC 7232

Children¶s Literature

Dr. Susan T. Franks

Summer 2009

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 Harry Potter and Censorship

Some of the most popular books among children are the Harry Potter books written by

J.K. Rowling. This series of books is considered modern fantasy. The books are about the

adventures of a young orphan boy who discovers that he has magical powers. He receives

training to further develop his magic, makes friends during the process, and battles evil forces.

While many children and adults love these books and eagerly anticipate new additions to the

series, a great number of people are opposed to the Harry Potter books due to concerns about the

wizardry and witchcraft that are discussed in them.

Teachers and librarians have generally accepted the Harry Potter books because they

have stimulated an interest in reading among children. According to experts in the area of

children¶s literature, these books have lively writing and are imaginative and fun (Manzo, 2001).

There are many adults who like to read about Harry Potter just as much as the children. For

these readers, there does not seem to be an issue with the witchcraft and wizardry that are present

in the books.

There are other individuals, however, who believe that the Harry Potter series of books

promotes wizardry and witchcraft to young people. Some feel that these books are a direct

assault on Christian values and beliefs (Hubbard, 2002). They cite various scriptures in the Bible

which refer to wizardry, witchcraft, and like practices as abominations unto God. In some

instances, Harry Potter books have been burned along with other censored materials. There have

been many attempts by parents and community members to ban the books from school libraries

and classrooms.
 A positive result of the controversy over Harry Potter books is that many school systems

have since reviewed and updated their policies for approving books for classroom and library use

as well as their policies for handling parent complaints and challenges against collection

materials (Hubbard, 2002). Typically, challenges to the Harry Potter series of books do not

result in their removal from libraries or classrooms. After the books are reviewed by the

appropriate committees, most systems continue to offer them in the school library or classroom.

However, students whose parents are opposed to the books are not required to read them for

classroom assignments because parents have the right to censor what their own children read.

Personally, I do not support the Harry Potter books because of my beliefs and attitudes

about witchcraft. I do not read them, and I do not allow my own children to read them. As an

educator and future media specialist, though, I understand the policy of intellectual freedom as it

pertains to these books. I cannot prevent other children or adults from having access to Harry

Potter books. I have witnessed the excitement in people who discuss these books, and I am glad

that the cause of this excitement is a book and not one of the electronic devices that seem to be

so popular among young people today.

Hubbard, B. (2002, February). Potter [Electronic version]. u
 

,  , 17.

Manzo, K. K. (2001, November 14). Charmed and challenged [Electronic version]. u


, (11), 1-3.