Harry Who? An Investigation of Students’ Reading of the Harry Potter Series

Abstract

This study is an investigation into the reading habits of students in grades 5-8 from selected communities in two southern states, focusing on the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter, a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is the main character in a series (four thus far) of books that range in length from 352 to 752 pages. This series has been praised by some and banned by others. Many educators have refused to permit students to discuss the books during school while others are reading them aloud in class, connecting them to the existing curriculum.Students were asked to complete a 24-question reading interest inventory regarding the Harry Potter series and other questions about reading. Approximately 350 students from private and public schools participated in the study. There were four objectives to the study: (a) identify students who read (or don’t read) the Harry Potter books and why; (b) investigate types of reading materials students are interested in reading;(c) have students rate themselves as readers; and, (d) determine how educators can assist students to read more frequently. Data were analyzed through both quantitative and qualitative measures. Findings are presented in three categories: (a) students attitudes about reading, (b) students’ feelings about the Harry Potter Series, and (c) students’ recommendations for teachers to encourage literacy development.