Something I've noticed about the Harry Potter books (and like)

[Coventina]

I'm re-reading the series, to get ready for the last installment, which is why I'm posting this.

The presents given to the children for holidays and birthdays are fairly modest and/or practical: clothing, food, broomstick servicing kits, etc. And they also are few in number.

Once in a while a really BIG gift comes along, like a broomstick, but those are for personal accomplishments (like Ron's) or extraordinary circumstances (like Harry's Firebolt from Sirius).

Instead, the "special-ness" of holidays comes from the shared activity, the feasts, the snowball fights, the chess games, etc.

I like that about the stories. It shows kids that there is more to the holidays and birthdays than an orgy of materialism.

If the fundies would just READ these books, they would realize their objections are just silly.

*sigh*

[AllegroRondo]

1. except for one character....

Harry's cousin that he is forced to live with during the summer. The nasty boy who's always mean to him, etc.

During his birtday party, he went crazy because he only had 31 presents - and he got 32 the year before.

An excellent contrast. The 'good' characters that kids will want to emulate have toned down parties with friends, while the one mean kid is only interested in what he's getting.

[Coventina]

3. A point Dumbledore drives home in book six!

Good observation!!

[supernova]

2. I love that too-- really about relationships

The Harry Potter books are really about kids' relationships.

Being an orphan in a place where you know you don't fit.

Spending time with your best friends,

Having your best friend's mom mother you too.

Finding that special teacher who cares about all of your life, not just that you might be struggling with an assignment or two.

Very heartwarming stories. :-)