Answer the question: Harry Potter – hype or hero?
Before the merchandise and the bright lights of the movie Harry Potter was still a good book. There's no denying that. Refusing to read the books just because of hype is a poor excuse.
| It’s the most well written book I’ve read since Roald Dahl, but I still think it’s over-hyped. |
I don't think all the hype has been a bad thing because JK Rowling has a made a fortune and she deserves it. The Harry Potter books are really something else. Children who'd never before have lifted a book have become Potter fanatics. The only harm the hype has done is to our parents' pockets!
Orlaith Graham Wood, 13, Belfast
In my opinion any icon who encourages reading is a huge hero. The more this figure is publicised and the more kids learn about the books the better. I also feel the character embodies the attributes of a "new hero". He's bullied, but makes good. The hype surrounding the film is quite unique because it stems from the book. Hopefully the film will live up to the book's achievements and encourage imaginative thinking amongst young people.
Thomas Willshire, 17, Birmingham
I think Harry Potter is going to be a big hit. I have seen some of the trailers and it seems very exciting. When the film comes out I want to see if it's as good as the book. For the younger children he is going to be a hero. I don't think you can get more heroic than Harry Potter. I won't collect the trading cards though because they will be like Pokemon and go out of fashion as soon as the movie is out of the top ten.
Vicky Palmer, 12, Plymouth
I think Harry Potter is a book full of suspense and once you pick it up you can't put it down. It's the most well written book I've read since Roald Dahl. But I still think it's over-hyped. What I really disagree with is the use of all the witchcraft and magic. It makes a lot of children's imagination run wild, and gets them fantasising about Harry. Some children may well think there is a real world of witchery and wizardry.
Andrew Saul, London, 13
My granddad thinks Harry Potter is evil because he practices witchcraft. He also thinks that the books should be banned because they could influence other children. I think young people should be able to read Harry Potter, make up their own games and have magical adventures too. I like Harry Potter because the story let's my mind go wild. I'm looking forward to the film because I'm only seven and found the book hard to read. I will not be buying any Harry Potter stuff because it's a waste of money. I wish I could be Chloe Potter and have all the same magical powers as Harry, like flying on a broom and learning new tricks at Hogwart's School.
Chloe Colclough, 7, Belfast
I think Harry Potter is massive hype. Everywhere you turn in the supermarket all you see is Harry Potter everything. I think those who market Harry Potter are a bad influence on young kids because most of them don't even know who he is and only follow the crowd. Once they buy one or two Harry Potter products they'll want more and before long they'll become addicted.
Carmel Alhatab, 12, Plymouth
About the team
The Answer the question panel are members of Children's Express. This article was published as part of Teen Talk, the Children's Express page in New Nation.
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