HAPPEE BIRTHDAE, HARRY !
Today marks the 39th birthday of Harry Potter, the eponymous hero of the series that arguably transformed children's publishing forever.
Rowling’s series demonstrated that children’s fiction could surpass 300 pages and young bookworms would remain undeterred. Older book series were republished in bind-up editions as a new generation of readers became accustomed to lengthier books, and established children’s authors found they had been ‘let off the leash’. What could previously only be achieved in a series of books could now be realised in fewer, or better still, the series' world-building could become more expansive.
Rowling’s series demonstrated that children’s fiction could surpass 300 pages and young bookworms would remain undeterred. Older book series were republished in bind-up editions as a new generation of readers became accustomed to lengthier books, and established children’s authors found they had been ‘let off the leash’. What could previously only be achieved in a series of books could now be realised in fewer, or better still, the series' world-building could become more expansive.
Adults who hadn’t read a children’s book since their own childhood were surreptitiously reading purloined copies (under duress, of course, to see what the fuss was about) and rediscovering what kids intrinsically understand; that the world is filled with hope and joy, sadness and fear, and none of it is half as complicated as the so-called grown-ups are wont to make it.
In a myriad of ways Harry and his schoolmates have been friends to, and role-models for, children and young people who otherwise felt alone, scared or confused about their own journeys. In some cases this series has quite literally saved lives. It has inspired and continues to inspire a generation of future readers and writers, and some of the most ardent fans you could ever hope to meet.
I suppose this is my way of saying: Hello, my name is Aimée and I am a duffer Hufflepuff.
I first read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as 'an ickle firstie', newly arrived at senior school in 1998, and awaited each subsequent book with an anticipation the strength of which another series has yet to match. This, in addition to very nearly sharing a birthday with Harry, has always made me feel I have grown up alongside him. Many of my bookish adolescent summer remembrances are informed by that series and those characters.
I first read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as 'an ickle firstie', newly arrived at senior school in 1998, and awaited each subsequent book with an anticipation the strength of which another series has yet to match. This, in addition to very nearly sharing a birthday with Harry, has always made me feel I have grown up alongside him. Many of my bookish adolescent summer remembrances are informed by that series and those characters.
Like so many others it is a series of which I am incredibly fond. It was a great pleasure to be able to revisit and share the series with my somewhat (quite a bit) younger sister, and watch the magic unfold for her. But of course there were few surprises for her, growing up in a world of wizarding movies, theme parks and ever increasing merchandise - with the notable exception of Peeves, perhaps.
If, like me, you want young readers in your life to have a similar reading experience to your own Potter one, without the unavoidable spoilers that an international franchise incurs, you need look no further. It is rare to find a reader these days who isn't aware of at least some, if not all, of the major plot points before they start reading the Harry Potter series, so let me also direct you to the similarly fantastic, equally magical, but lesser-known (not for long, I suspect) Nevermoor series, by Jessica Townsend.
When I read the first book, The Trials of Morrigan Crow, I experienced many of the same feelings I recall having when I first read Philosopher’s Stone and was quickly invested in the fate of 'Mog' and her companions. I hesitate to compare books to Harry Potter generally because each is its own story and deserves to be judged on its own merits, but it certainly has a similar heart at its core.
Like Harry, Morrigan is ill-used and underappreciated by her family. We know immediately that she is on the cusp of something more, and when she gets her own ‘Yer a wizard, Harry’ moment the reader embarks on a journey with her into a wunderous wonderous and beguiling new world, filled with magic and adventure and championed by friendships to which a new generation of readers are sure to aspire. At the time of writing only two of the expected six books are published so readers can experience the same exquisite anticipation of awaiting the next instalment that feels both boon and curse.
I expect the newest addition to the series will be gracing christmas stockings for many young folk for years to come, and it would be a very great pleasure to consider that in addition to The Boy Who Lived, in twenty years time a whole new generation may be joyously observing the birthday of one Morrigan Crow.
Happy Birthday, Harry - here's to many more!
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