Harry Potter - Popular, but never to be a Classic
Yes...this is an opinion piece. But it's written by a fan of the Harry Potter series.
To me, the appellation "Classic" is given to books to form a common foundation of understanding, myth and imagery for society. Classics aren't just the popular books that "were read"...but books that gained enough distinction in being presented as "books you should read" in school.
I just don't think there is anything of merit to the Potter series that "kids will be elevated in their humanity and education by reading this book".
Now, Potter books are a great "gateway book" that has prompted many kids to learn to love reading. And I think it will always have a place as a popularly loved book. But that's the same play you'd put comic books or any book from a popular movie. Gateway books are valuable...but they aren't classics.
Rasin in the Sun? Classic. Hunger Games? Gateway book
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