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In response to
"Related to Max's Potter thread -- Nathan loves to read, but is just 6 years old. At what age would you guys say we can start reading HP?"
by
Will Hunting, Ruler Supreme of Blood Feud
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Does he want to read them? I suggest letting the child discover the books on his ownish, for the thematic elements -- (edited)
Posted by
con_carne
Jul 14 '18, 15:59
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The first HP book is a tremendous wish fulfillment for children who have some form of frustration toward their parents. ("Hate your parents? Well surprise, they aren't your real parents! You are really a wizard who gets to run away from home! Let us whisk you away to another world so you can leave your foul mom and dad behind." Etc.) I don't know that you want to be the one to introduce him to all that... or maybe you do. *shrug*
Sure, he may "get it" when he is 8 (I agree with Roger More otherwise), but that core theme (which I believe is the reason it was such a blockbuster out of the gate), may really resonate and give him comfort and all that good stuff as a tween.
Edit: A couple of other themes also suggest it may be a good idea to wait. First, Harry is naturally rebellious and doesn't respect authority almost at all. That's true throughout the entire series, and is most definitely a reason for his character's success. Whether this is a good lesson for N or not is a fair question, IMO. Authority sucks and are incompetent and evil. Every authority figure is to be questioned. Break away and be your own boy, then you will get magical powers. As an authority figure, I'd be careful about me being the one to hand him the book. Like, you may be sending the wrong message, y'know? *shrug*
Second, there is Snape, the archetypal mean teacher. Has your child had a series of mean/unfair teachers? Then he could relate. If not, I don't know what effect that could have (I know educational life is an issue with you guys to say the least). Anyway, throughout most of the series, Harry hates his teacher, Snape. He gets revenge on his teacher, Snape. Heck, I think he even physically hurts Snape a few times (or at least Hermione does). And he succeeds and is rewarded for these plots and actions. By the way, Harry and his friends skip school *a lot* and not only that, but they are rewarded for it repeatedly. This last one may just be something to think about.
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