"To Harry Potter -- the boy who lived!" Strange things are happening in the suburbs of England, all over town, all over the countryside, when Harry Potter is left on the doorstep of his Uncle's house. Harry Potter is lone survivor of a murder plot, left in the care of relatives, to live out his childhood in relative normalcy. On his eleventh birthday, letters start arriving, inviting him to enroll in an unusual school... Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
I have long regarded this story one of the best pieces of children's literature to come out of the 90's, I think my grandkids will be reading it, and I think someday it will be taught in schools. It has the themes we've been brought up to expect in children's lit: made up words to add an air of silliness, a few funny rhymes, a child from a broken home who wants to do what is right. (See my late night ramblings on OrphanLit
Here) Additionally, the story adheres to the rules set down for fantasy novels: language unique to the fantasy world, a clear border between where one world ends and the other begins, rules and restrictions for the possibilities of magic, and of course the age old tradition of a battle between Good and Evil.
The author could have stopped there. Isn't that enough? Isn't it enough to write a story that is simply entertaining? Sure, but then it wouldn't have been as good. JK Rowling also wrote a book that was as thought provoking as entertaining.
The main characters, Harry, Ron, and Hermione form friendship despite their extreme differences. Harry's famous, but he can't remember a time when he knew love. He's also just discovered that he's filthy rich. A lot of people want to be his friend, but he chooses Ron. Ron Weasley, comes from a large family. He feels overlooked, surrounded by hand me downs, in his lower income bracket. Hermione Granger, is raised by dentists! She's not just a bookworm, she's an academic addict, and like Harry, is just discovering what it means to be a student at Hogwarts. You've got three very different kids who are joined by the need to prove themselves worthy of the chance they've been given.
You are also granted the reccurring theme that money and fame isn't everything in life. The counter trio, Harry's schoolmates, Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle are an important mirror. Malfoy, raised by magical parents with money, is little jerk. He doesn't need to prove himself, he feels perfectly entitled to get what he wants and has no problem hurting others for his own amusement or personal gain. Crabbe and Goyle allow themselves to be led, and occasionally used; they seek favor from a dominant personality...that's got little to do with loyalty. They think they've got the world at their fingertips... and they're not better people for it.
"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live..." Then there's Professor Dumbledore, the benevolent headmaster, who watches over the school and it's inhabitants. He's both protector and enabler; he seems to understand that while Harry is a child, he is also a human being filled with need. Rather than shield Harry completely as a parent might, he decides to provide Harry with the tools to survive the hardships ahead.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty, but don't judge on what you see..." Don't be quick to judge anyone, says the Sorting Cap. A sentiment that rings true beginning to end. Professor Snape is perpetually angry, Professor Quirrell timid and kind, Hagrid is enormous and hairy, and a dragon dealer in a pub appears fated. You can't ever know what's inside someone's heart and head, unless you think to ask. Being scary or angry doesn't make a person evil, just as giving a gift doesn't make a saint.
What makes a friend? Ron is willing to lay down his life for Harry. Hermione is willing to throw away what she holds close to her heart. Loyalty and courage are nothing to snub your nose at, but other things count too.
"It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends..." Neville Longbottom, quiet and forgetful, accident prone and the target of bullying, tries to protect Harry, Ron, and Hermione from themselves. Any idiot can stand up and say, "Let's do this!" But when you tell your friends, "Let's not!" Even if it's for their own good, you risk having them not like you. Neville seems to have learned early in life, what friends think of you is irrelevant if they're all dead.
Needless to say, I've given this 5 stars. If you're looking to have a well thought out, magical adventure with some really clever characters, and learn about Lord Voldemort the most evil wizard that ever lived, and thwart his attempts to return from the not-quite-grave... This is the book for you, regardless of age.
