nice for kids to start reading and continuing while maturing with the much better works from Hobb, Modessit and Feist. If you are an adult and still reading this: cut it out!@

Absolutely untouchable in modern children's literature.

She's a great story teller and one that you can pick up and read and not want to put it down - thank you.

She written one story but she did it well. She is not "great" however.

Duh she's great! I mean her books of Harry Potter rock, I've reasd them a lot, because she won't hurry up and make her 5th one! I know, I heard she got writer's block, sorry, but she *HAS* to hurry!. She rocks. Hugz, Babz :P

I bought the first book for my young nephew, and because I only give books to children which I have read first, I got "Sorceror's Stone" from the library -- and loved it. Since then, I have bought a complete set for both my nephew and myself, and will continue buying Ms. Rowling's books. Sure, they began in a most simplistic way but as Harry ages so do the plot lines and depth of the story. I say, "Brava, Ms. Rowling!"

I must give credit to anyone who can compell children to read. I must give even more credit to someone who can engage me so whole-heartedly in so-called "Children's books." I read the 4th volume straight through! I can't even begin to address the comments of those who think Harry Potter is of the devil. Critique her on her literary merit, not your religious beliefs! I, for one, read quite a bit of magic and fantasy as a child and yet here I stand before you a good, honest person. Please, give children more credit. If your child cannot understand the difference between fiction and reality, perhaps you would do best to enroll your child in a counsiling program.

nothing special, she has some narrative skills, but the books are simple in content and structure, not to mention pathetic in realizem (everything allways happens to harry, and he allways win, it's lame and overfocusing in a very unrealistic way). and to all the people with the smart ass religeous comments get a life, your obssesion with the bible is sad and the way you make an fun oriented children book into the satanic bible in desgise is lame and pathetic.

Wonderful books, wonderful, wonderful... I could not put them down. These are books introducing fantasy to children in a new and engaging way. I cannot make myself taking people attacking these books seriously. I especially liked the 3rd book, and Harry's godfather sirius... finally a dark, good character. Oh, I am sure he is really a satanist... Hope the moive version will not screw things up. I must admit that the way the books are being exploited to earn money is appaling. I cannot believe Rowling would allow herself to be connected to all-time bad Coca Cola. *sighs* but the books are not less good because of that

Having read previous comments of some participants I felt obliged to put the record straight. I am a 29 years old and married with a young son who I love more than anything on this planet. I am also pagan. I am saddened to read the comments of some of you so-called Christians. I believe that Christ, for whom I have no disrespect whatsoever, was supposed to teach love and understanding of your fellow man. Obviously you have missed that major part of the Christian doctrine, like so many religious fanatics choosing to twist the scriptures for your own ends. For those reading who are not pagan/Wiccan may I now allow you to hear the opposite side of the argument. Wicca is a nature loving religion that promotes respect of the environment and for all other human beings, regardless of race, sex or religion. Pagan people do not worship Satan, because they do not believe he exists. Many of them accept Christ as another deity, along with those of many other cultures. Unlike so many religions, Wicca does not have folk standing on street corners trying to ensnare the uninitiated, because it simply does not need to. People come to be pagan through choice, because it is right for them, as I did. If anyone suggests that they have been involved in Wicca and have had a bad experience, I am perfectly willing to accept that if it is indeed the case. There are misguided people in all walks of life, and there are people who call themselves pagan/wiccan and delve into so called "black magic". These people, like some of those who have made such prejudiced remarks on this site, have obviously lost the plot and are nothing whatsoever to do with Wicca, but are interpreting it for their own ends. Wicca condemns any sacrifice of life, human or animal, because it teaches us to respect all that nature gives to us. Surely J K Rowlings magical books are better reading for youngsters than sexist role models like Action man and Barbie. It is because of people like these so called Christians, and other people of fundamentalist religions who are also obviously seriously prejudicial in their outlook, that we are currently at war. If only people of all faiths and cultures could reach out to one another, perhaps all of our children, regardless of religion would have a brighter future. Blessed be

I was at first a bit pessimistic about that, i mean, it's children stuff, i was saying, and so forth. I know this is already a cliche but everyone will like HP books regardless of age, sex, nationality, mental state and love/hate towards oranges.

I told someone for there sight that I would put of facts,rumors, mistaks you name it well. I saw that some peopel here say "I hope that JKRowling doesn't mess up books by the movies well she did I looked very close at the trailer play by play, HP deosen't a have bright, round, green eyes he has dark,small, brown ones!

I think Harry potter books are great!They teach right & wrong,Good & bad,black & white however you want to put it.I think the kids love them because they"re exciting.I've read all 4 harry potter books,and so has my mom, even she likes them.I think people go to far in judging thing, they should take a look at it first.(and she even reads the bible)

Okay, I'm not trying to stir up angst on either side of this issue, so I'll start off by saying this is how I see it; everyone else is welcome to their own fears, prejudices, joys and delights when it comes to this author's work. When the Potter books were first starting to take off (quickly to be followed by the almost obscene marketing campaign last Christmas) the first thing I thought was pretty much the same thing I always think when I notice any other new book, film, or animated cartoon of this type - great, more imaginative fiction! What I honestly do not see is any reason to fear it. By saying this, I am certainly not condoning dabbling in the black arts or indoctrinating children into the world of the occult. However, I can remember reading lots of fiction of this type as well as watching horror films, telling ghost stories and pretending all kinds of crazy things as I was growing up. And I unashamedly admit that I enjoyed every minute of it! These flights of fancy not only gave me a chance to escape the humdrum, but also to develop my mind and use my imagination. They did not, however, inspire me to become a disciple of Satan or join a coven of witches. As a matter of fact, if anything, reading, watching and reenacting these classic tales of the battle between good and evil did exactly the opposite. Sometimes I wonder if people give children enough credit. Based on what I've seen and experienced, most children can grasp the concept of fiction fairly quickly and, at a pretty young age, can even tell the difference between reality and fantasy. If they can't they have problems that have little to do with the influences of literature and film. Maybe the answer to the Harry Potter dilemma is to try less fear and censorship and more explanation, guidance and input from caring adults. After all, the battle between good and evil has been going on since the beginning of time and doesn't show any signs of stopping. If you don't believe me, check out the Bible. You can't really filter out all the influences children will come up against as they are growing up. But, in my experience, the side I chose to identify with as an adult had more to do with the input I received from the real people who were there to guide me at the time than it did with the storybooks I read, movies I watched or even the goofy tales I was told by other kids my own age. With so many potentially harmful things in the world kids have to face, this is one parents can easily disarm simply by pointing out it's rightful category - fictional literature.

I just finished Sorcerer's Stone and I have to agree with Psalm8613. Most of the children today do not understand the difference between fantasy and reality, especially the younger children (around age 7). My friend's son would be terrified of what happens in the books and have nightmares. Youth today have been desensitized to violence. The influence the media (books, TV, movies, etc) has on our children is greater than we think. And everywhere you turn, there is violence. No wonder the kids are shooting each other. These books present magic, wizards and witches in a positive way. The Bible clearly states that all witchcraft, curses, fortune-telling, mind reading, etc are not pleasing to God. These kind of books bring about another desensitization to the occult. This allows our youth to ignore something that may in the end hurt not only them, but also their friends and family. I would not let my children read these books because of the potential harm they could do. How important are your children to you? Or have we parents and adults become desensitized too? Maybe it's time we woke up to the truth and did something about it.

I have nothing against getting children to read who otherwise wouldn't, but "Nothing else can match the magic of Harry"? Give me a break, and get that kid some more books: Lewis and L'Engle at the least! And get those idiot parents to shut up about teaching kids black magic.

I think these books are terrible on the childrens minds. Children are gullible at this age, and to have these types of books within their grasp is an offense. The author has lured children into believing these things. We wonder why children are shooting their peers and teachers; it is because of the influence books like these have on them. Though they talk nothing about shootings and such, these children are led into circles of "friends" where shootings are discussed. If we want our nation to become better, our children to have values, we need to start with what they read and watch and listen to. Children learn about curses in these books and they want to perform them on people who have "wronged" them. Does no one see how wrong this is? Are we just going to let our children be influenced by this writing? From curses it will lead to Satanic worshiping and witchcraft which will lead to more heinous acts. How can society sit back an applaude these books which promote this type of behavior in essence? And for those of you who are skeptical, I was in that scene (witchcraft... Wicca) not to long ago. It is not healthy. These books are terrible. If you want society to become better, then we better start looking at what we are promoting.

No offense to Harry Potter readers, but she is bad at her jod

This is what got me started on reading books, before I used to hate reading books, now I can't stop reading. Its a superb book, and with many twists, and I really like the character Snape. This series is getting a whole new generation to read books, and in the fantasy section, which is great. A nice easy read, with an excellent story.

she's much too black and white... it annoys me.

The hype about witchcraft in these books is coming from witchhunters. They quote the bible but forget that Jesus destroyed the "Oh-I'm-so-better-than-you" Pharisees. Judge not- just enjoy good writing that has brought many back to the joys of reading! Embrace the good and quite looking for things to nitpick about!

Loved these books - if only they had been around when I was a kid! The protagonists are all believable and well fleshed out, and Rowling's style just keeps you turning the pages hour after hour. ** Magic! ** Let's hope they don't trash it with the film version.

Jesus does not approve of sorcerers, tarot, card readers, magic, etc. Deutoronomy 18:10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling or sorcery, or allow them to interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,

I can't stand her

I've never read a book that was as hard to put down. She writes with so much compassion for her stories and so much care for her readers. She's not a show-off, but has so much to say. Where Dickens would create a sinister reflection of reality Rowling would temper even the most horrific events with humor. Hugo would leave one bereft of hope. She makes me smile long after I've closed the book. Three (hundred) cheers for Rowling. What an inspiration.

I have to honestly say that I an thirty years old and enjoyed and almost obsessed with Harry and his adventures at Hogwarts and home. I must say the imagination takes hold and goes wild. I loved her books and can't wait to read the next three school years and hope she will extend to adventures after Hogwarts. From Children to Adults these books are enjoyed by all.

She's brought kids back to books - an achievement worthy of note even if her books are formulaic.

It's wonderful to find an author that an adult can enjoy and that children are excited to read. The writing and stories are very well done.

I love her books! They are so imaginative and inspiring. They make you so caught up in the story. I love Harry so much!

There are only a few series that have captured my imagination as much as the Harry Potter series. I can't wait for her to complete the next book, yet I never want it to end.

Yeeeehaw!

Children's authors do not belong on this list.

WoooooHoooooo!

The Harry Potter series is great so far and with each successive book it gets better. It has humor, originality, and realistic charaters.

Harry potter is incredible it is the second most fulfilligna dn complex fantasy settign beign written today; the first of couse being robin hobb's universe.

She PRETENDS she can write well. Weak main plot, strong subplots that lead nowhere, and ties nowhere, and does not affect the main plot.

I want you to know that I fully enjoyed the books. I can't wait for the rest of them to come out. I haven't been able to put the books down once I start to read them. I want to find out what happens to Harry and how he is able to fix them. I have a daughter that is now reading them and she is also enjoying them.

J.K. Rowling is a hero herself for bringing these wonderful characters, settings and event into our lives! What an escape into a wonderful world of imagination, adventure, and every emotion possible. At times I had a tear in my eye and a few pages later, I would be laughing out loud..Well Done Ms. Rowling. Her personal "Cinderella" Story is even more inspiring. After seeing her in an interview, I found her to be down to earth and truly proud of her accomplishments, yet humble.

Love her books - she not only got my nephew reading avidly again (he's 10), she "bewitched" me with her imaginative and involving stories... I can't wait for the next one - I'll be buying two copies!!

I almost hate to say it, but these books really are good. If anyone's approached Star Wars in book form, it's Rowling. I'm serious. But she's no Tolkien.

Harry Potter is the most amazing book I have ever read.

Anyone who can rekindle a passion for reading in this age of illiteracy cant possibly get enough praise, as far as im concerned. She writes intelligently - she doesnt talk down to kids; she doesnt preach, she doesnt pander. And the stories are delightful! You cant get that out of most "adult" books at times. Classics in the making.

I just finished the Sorcer's Stone. It made me imagine, again.(Something I don't do often enough. Many parents are debating the books due to the "witchcraft" issue. I believe, many children are being "bewitched" by passive video games. I salute Rowlings for bringing us a true hero, humor, and adventure. Names of characters gave me smile.