Leapin' Wizards!

I first read this book last year when I received it as a birthday present. Within pages, I was completely engrossed. Rowling's incredible attention to detail, vivid imagery, and master storytelling ability help make this book an absolute gem. And the new world which she has created so lovingly and lucidly are reminiscent of Tolkien, Lewis, and other masters of fantasy. But it is the ordinary elements mixed with the extraordinary that make "Harry Potter" so popular. It is the tale of a seemingly ordinary boy thrust into the extraordinary world of his parents, a world he had no idea even existed. Within that world are all sorts of people, and though they may look and act very strangely, their personalities are easily found here in our own world.

There's Hermione, the work-a-holic teacher's pet. There's Neville, the neurotic clutz. Hagrid, the burly outdoorsman with a heart of gold. Fred and George, the mischeivous twins. Dumbledore, the kindly mentor. Snape, the teacher who loves to make students' lives miserable. Malfoy, the snobby bully. Crabbe and Goyle, his oafish henchmen. And the list goes on.

Chances are that any one of us can identify with one character or another and find several who remind us of people in our own lives. It is very easy to care about the characters. And while flying brooms, magic wands, and gryphons may draw children into Hogwarts, it is the wonderful young heroes who will keep them there.

And sometimes, it is unclear just who the heroes are. Obviously Harry and Ron are good, as are Hagrid and Dumbledore, but many of the students and professors leave room for doubt. There is very little black and white in Rowling's world. This is an important lesson for children to learn: People are not always what they seem. And along with that comes the realization that you can do things together with other people that you could never dream of doing on your own. And that some things are worth breaking a rule or two over.

These important life lessons subtly woven into Rowling's tale lend credibility to the obviously fantastic realm which she has created. Children and adults will pick up the next volume thirsty for more, never knowing where Rowling's incredible plot twists will take them. The lush descriptions and intricately-developed characters pull the readers along as they brave the rapids to come to the next bend in the river. For once you have met Harry Potter, there is no turning back.