The wait to find out what happens will soon be over. On Saturday, July 21, 2007 — at 12:01 a.m. — the long wait for the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Scholastic), will end.

I’m guessing that the debate as to the real impact of the Harry Potter books on children’s reading will probably go on. But in the greater scheme of things, does it really matter?

I frankly think that the brouhaha is good. It reminds me that adults are the ones who get books into the hands of kids, especially young children. And it is our attitudes as well as our behaviors that have the greatest impact on children’s reading.

Even if adults don’t read well themselves, they can convey their conviction that reading is important, they can share their stories with children, and support children’s efforts to learn.

So, let’s continue the debate, while we adults continue to look for books that motivate the kids in our lives and encourage them to read for pleasure as well as for information.

About the Author

Maria Salvadore is Reading Rockets’ consultant for children’s literature and literacy. Maria curates our themed booklists and writes the blog, Page by Page, which explores the best ways to use kids’ books both inside and outside of the classroom. She leads parent workshops for Ready To Learn (RTL) at WETA Public Broadcasting in Washington, D.C. She has also taught children’s literature at the University of Maryland, reviewed books for School Library Journal, and has served on various book award committees, including the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, Golden Kite, and the Caldecott Committee.

Publication Date
July 19, 2007
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