A Parent's Guide to Harry Potter

After recently reading my first Harry Potter book, I picked up A Parent's Guide To Harry Potter as a supplement to what I had read. I was impressed with the easy approach Ms. Burkart gives to the series. The simple tips for translating events in the book into real life situations were very valuable. This book is a must-read for anyone just beginning their journey into Harry Potter!

When I began reading Harry Potter with my children, I was amazed at the discussions that emerged. I found my children relating to Harry and opening up about many issues they face every day. Our conversations began with the book but quickly leapt to much deeper discussions about fear, love, anger, bullying, prejudice, hate. Our Christian faith always entered as a model for decision making and acting. The christian parallel of love that runs through the entire Harry Potter series often ignites these Christian connections. I wrote this book so that other parents would get a chance to experience these discussions. I wanted parents who are leary to see the potential of reading these books with their children. In A Parent's Guide to Harry Potter, I explain how Harry Potter fits into the fairy tale genre and how fairy tales often help children release their fears. Additionally, I pull out some of the real issues in Harry Potter and provide sample questions that could be used to begin discussions. Most importantly, I show parents that these books aren't about magic at all, rather they show that magic does not solve problems. It is love that saves snd protects Harry. It is love that continues to help him prevail in the battle of good and evil--not magic.

I picked up this book to try and figure out why there is a controversy surrounding Harry Potter. I found it very well written, to the point, and a major resource for parents who are looking for a guide to talk about all literature with their children. Yes, there is a Christian slant to the book, but if you are not Christian many of the discussion points about good v. evil, love, overcoming conflict, etc - are relevant to everyone's lives.

Finally! Here is an excellent resource parents can use to explore and ENJOY the wealth of important topics their children are engaging in Harry Potter. The questions in each chapter make it easy to go from reading together to discussing thoughts, feelings, aversion of evil and aspirations toward goodness. Easy to read, easy to use, solidly academic and carefully considered by a sincere Christian parent. This book can enrich families of faith and those for whom faith is not the central issue.

This is a very well written, easy to read book with very helpful insights. Including questions that lead to constructive, faithful discussions with children about the Harry Potter series books. I highly recommend this book to anyone with children.