One of the things I’ve always found the most interesting about the *Harry Potter* series (and I think one of the reasons it’s had so much success) is that each successive book feels like it’s aimed at a slightly higher age group. *Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone* is definitely a children’s book, and I wouldn’t say that *Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows* is. For the original generation of readers, this worked out well because we grew up with the characters.
I was eight when I read the first *Harry Potter* book. Within a year I’d read all four of the books that were out at that time, really enjoying the first three but struggling a lot more with the fourth. *Goblet of Fire* was just a bit more dark and complex than I was quite ready for at that point (although when I got older that became my favourite one). For the rest of the books I just had to wait until they came out – and this was a good thing, because in the time in between the release of each new book, I’d gained the maturity to be able to appreciate it when it happened, and in the meantime I could re-read the previous ones and make sure I fully understood them. I was thirteen at the time *Deathly Hallows* came out.
How do kids read them nowadays? What age group do they tend to be recommended to, and do kids lose a bit in the process? I can’t imagine having read them all for the first time at any one specific point in my childhood – by the time I was old enough to fully appreciate *Deathly Hallows*, I’d have already outgrown *Philosopher’s Stone*.
by georgemillman
7 Comments
According to my middle school aged children, Harry Potter is considered “millennial cringe” now. I can’t confirm or deny this, lol. Obviously completely anecdotal.
Who says kids read them back to back? Or all in one age range
Most kids don’t read 7 books a year, that’s reality
So kids still can read this series just like you once did, having time between the books
But it’s also less popular among younger kids than it used to be
I was 11 years old when I read the first book (and I promptly read the rest of them within that week). I did reread the series several times, and had a different perspective each time.
I’d say 10+ and they should be okay reading the full series. Definitely depends on their reading level and maturity in how much they understand, but you’d be surprised at how much they can grasp/understand at that age – and if there’s anything too much it usually goes over their head until they come back for a reread.
My thought’s definitely changed on how I view the characters and story over time, but that’s part of the process so I don’t really think there’s a perfect time. For example, for anyone that’s older and holding off on reading Harry Potter because it’s a “children’s book” – I’d say you’re at the perfect age to go ahead and read it.
I read it when I was 13, all books were released at that point. I had a bit of a hard time with the first one, I just felt too mature for it, but by the third book I was really enjoying it and by the time I got to Deathly Hallows (still 13 at this time) I was so invested I finished it in two days.
I have been reading the books with my son intermittently for the last two years.
He is nine now. We are on the sixth book and it is a slog.
I am just trying to get through them at this point.
My niece is 9 and loves Harry Potter. I don’t think she’s read all the books yet.
My sister was an adult when they were coming out, and she loved them