Kiddie Lit: The Cultural Construction of Children's Literature in America Review

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(More customer reviews)Clark's text is scholarly without alienating the non-scholar. Using familiar authors and texts from the 19th and 20th Centuries, and a super-abundance of critical and popular responses to those texts, she illustrates the rise, fall, and reascension of children's literature as a respected pursuit. Her list of sources is unfathomable; my only occasional complaint was a feeling of, "all right, already, I was sold several quotes ago."

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The Hidden Adult: Defining Children's Literature Review

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(More customer reviews)THE HIDDEN ADULT: DEFINING CHILDREN'S LITERATURE surveys the plots, themes, approaches and structures of six major works in his efforts to define the shared characteristics of children's literature. From ALICE IN WONDERLAND to DR. DOOLITTLE and HENRY HUGGINS, these classics are analyzed with attention to the 'markers' that point out this is children's literature - and then uses a rang of critical and culture viewpoints to define a theory of children's literature. A 'must' for any collection catering to librarians or any studying children's literature, especially at the college level.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch


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A Charmed Life: The Spirituality of Potterworld Review

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(More customer reviews)Up till 'Charmed', books about HP have been (1) diatribes against the books due to the dark magic therein, (2) defenses against type 1, and (3) analyses of HP as literature. In types 1 and 2, the various authors usually tell the reader what his or her conclusion should be.
This book takes a different approach, one of positive analysis with thoughtful conclusions -- but not forcing those conclusions down the reader's throat. It is extremely well written -- and is as readable and enjoyable as the HP books themselves.
'A Charmed Life' is divided into 5 long chapters, plus a shorter 6th with conclusions, and the long chapters are helpfully broken by mid-chapter headings. These chapters give an indepth look at some of Rowling's favorite issues, such as:
(1) actions have consequences,
(2) beware of the deceitfulness of appearances [a major lesson in LOTR],
(3) the target audience [first, JKR herself; second, those that like an exciting mystery], and I might add parenthetically, when Jo Rowling is interviewed, she constantly insists that her books are written for older teens and adults.
(4) the world view -- what you see is not all there is, [helpful to the Christian]
(5) the complicatedness of the moral world -- when things aren't exactly black and white,
and (6) periodic comparisons with 'The Chronicles of Narnia', LOTR, and Lewis Carroll's works.
Bridger looks at the issues of faith, fact, and truth, as portrayed by Jo Rowling, and finds much that is compatable to the way Christians are to think and believe.
'Charmed' is a helpful book to those who want to think carefully about these things.
To those who like their conclusions given to them, it is not so helpful.

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Once Upon a Time in Great Britain: A Travel Guide to the Sights and Settings of Your Favorite Children's Stories Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great book for anyone who wants to plan a trip around, or include in their trip, sights related to favorite children's books. She even includes some of the books that are not as well-known in the US such as The Borrowers, Green Knowe and Greyfriars Bobby. Double check the details before you go, however, as some things have changed since publication. For example, the exhibit of children's manuscripts at the British Library is no longer there, sadly.

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Phoenix Rising: Collected Papers on Harry Potter, 17-21 May 2007 Review

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(More customer reviews)A wonderful collection of papers, ranging from the psychology of our favourite boy wizard, to the genetics of wizardom, to the cross-over of egyptology and hocruxes. Fantastic reading for any fan!

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The Lexicon Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an avowed Harry Potter fanatic, and I have been looking forward to this book for ages. It is, well, limited in its application. Given that it's arranged alphabetically (and having flipped through it several times it seems complete enough), it assumes that you know exactly what you're looking for, spelling and all. There is NO index, so if I wanted to look for a spell that, say, wrote reviews for amazon.com, I would be stymied unless I had a vague inkling as to how that spell might be, well, spelled. I had hoped that this book would be an substitute for his exhaustive website, and, unfortunately, it is merely a reference book to his website. In addition to the lack of index (which is THE most frustrating omission), off the top of my head, I can think of several things that should have been included and yet are not (and, I assume, would not run afoul of the JKR legal team): family trees; timelines for the novels; listing of who is in what house, both in the present era and in the previous era; and listing of teachers (past and present). These are just off the top of my head. I still think this book very valuable on one level, but it is NOT even marginally a substitute for his excellent website. An index would have induced me to give it another star.

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The Gospel According to Harry Potter: Spirituality in the Stories of the World's Most Famous Seeker Review

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(More customer reviews)I had the privilege of providing some editorial review to the manuscript for this book prior to its publication. I became aware of Mrs. Neal's work through her previous volume on the controversial Harry Potter series, and was intrigued by her approach and perspective. She continues this fine work with this latest volume.
It is no secret that the Harry Potter series has set off a firestorm of controversy. In Western popular culture the dividing lines have been drawn over the series (now expressed in film with the second film due in theaters in November in the U.S.), with a polarization between pro- and anti-Potter perspectives. Traditionally, evangelical Christianity has a track record of articulating many valid concerns about the rise and influence of Paganism in American culture, but little work has been done addressing just why so many are rejecting the church in favor of alternative spiritual pathways, or creatively engaging popular culture to mine various concepts that can be used as bridges to communicate the gospel. Thankfully, _The Gospel According to Harry Potter_ provides a remedy to this situation.
Mrs. Neal recognizes that both pro- and ant-Potter advocates can (and will) find elements to support their contrary views on Potter. Thus, Mrs. Neal specifically states that she is not writing to articulate a pro-Potter position, but rather, she is looking at the Potter series with the specific intention of finding elements within the series that discerning Christians can use as bridges for communication to individuals interested in Potter (and perhaps the general fantasy genre as well). Just as the Apostle Paul drew upon various Pagan sources and ideas that were used to communicate the gospel to sophisticated Pagans of the first century, contemporary Christians may wish to explore Mrs. Neal's book for suggestions on evangelizing contemporary Pagans and others interested in spirituality but "turned off" by the church. Although not everyone will agree with her approach, it is worthy of careful consideration.
Mrs. Neal has done the Body of Christ a real service in authoring this book. It is my hope that the efforts of others interested in creative engagement with popular culture on behalf of Christ will be stimulated by this fine volume.

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God, the Devil, and Harry Potter: A Christian Minister's Defense of the Beloved Novels Review

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(More customer reviews)As a fellow pastor AND fan of the Harry Potter novels, I picked up this book with much interest. The introduction was intriguing enough, so I proceeded with the book. There is no doubt in my mind that evangelicals will dismiss this book as blasphemous. Harry Potter as Jesus? Dumbledore as God the Father? Fawkes as the Holy Spirit?? While I recognize the merit of Killinger's basic argument--that many of the themes in the Potter books are themes that have a Christian basis (if not an outright Christian character--I felt that his comparisons are exaggerated or altogether too weak to stand.
Of course, like others, I am totally embarrassed by the Christians who have dismissed the Potter books as "evil." I was hoping this book might be a reasonable, substantive argument against those accusations. Alas, it is not. In fact, it reads more like a synopsis of each of the Potter books in print with some theology thrown in to boot. Killinger's admiration for the Potter books stands out more strongly than any argument he makes for the books not being anti-Christian.

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Diary of a Harry Potter Addict Review

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(More customer reviews)Of the seven volumes written by J.K. Rowling, and the countless books written about Harry Potter, this is unquestionably the best. Insightful, informative, inspired, and only slightly inaccurate, DIARY OF A HARRY POTTER ADDICT is a MUST buy for every Harry Potter fan, Twilight obsessive, or anyone with a life lesson teaching dog like Marley. In other words, practically every one should buy this book.
At $4.99, it's half the price of Sarah Palin's e-book edition of AMERICA BY HEART and twice the intelligence.
P.S. If anyone accuses me of having a vested interest, I will vigorously deny (up to a point) that I am the Michael Murphy the authors, Kerin & Darby, so graciously listed as the editor of the book.

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A humorous take on a serious issue, Diary of a Harry Potter Addict captures the struggles of an anonymous Harry Potter fan coming to grips with life post-Harry Potter. Part diary, part clinical narrative, the book spans several years in the character's life, from the moment they first pick up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone through their exploration of ways in which to manage - and eventually make the most of - their chronic Harry Potter addiction. Utilizing diary entries, original artwork and interviews with members of the International Quidditch Association and the Harry Potter Alliance, the book offers alternative ways to ease the pain of saying good-bye to old friends and goes great with a swig of Butterbeer."An essential part of any respectable Harry Potter collection... A national treasure." -Antiques Roadshow"Not good. BRILLIANT!" -Rupert Grint (as Ron Weasley)"A very interesting literary approach to the subject of Harry Potter Series End Disorder (HPSED)... These women are dangerous." -Dr. Juana Fuchenstein, DFA"I laughed... I found it a loving tribute to the fanbase and the running dialogue is great. I need to mention that the cover is awesome!" -Josh Guerrero, ETS

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How Harry Cast His Spell: The Meaning Behind the Mania for J. K. Rowling's Bestselling Books Review

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(More customer reviews)Harry Potter has captured the imaginations of millions of children and adults from every walk of life. The series has possibly experienced more popularity than any other book of the last fifty years having sold millions of copies around the world. With this in mind many have asked "Why is Harry Potter is so insanely popular?" As a fan of the Harry Potter series I already knew the answer, but this book has wrought to light many of the Christian aspects of series which I over looked. How Harry Potter casts his spells is an interesting look in to the Christian aspects of the Harry Potter Book series.Below is the Table of Contents taken from the book. I like the way the Author wrote an explanation of each chapter in such a informative and humorous way. Through this book the Author adds a touch of humor to his writing.
Acknowledgments Publisher's Preface Introduction
1: Magic, Fantasy, and Transcendence
The magic in Harry Potter is traditional literary spellwork that acts as a counterspell to the materialism of our times.
2: Cosmic White Hats and Black Hats
The Harry Potter Novels revolve around the central conflict of good and evil
3: The Hero's Journey
Harry's adventures take him through life, death and resurrection
4: The Alchemy of Spiritual Growth
The story of cycles are built on the stages of transformation
5: One Person, Two Natures
Doppelgangers point to the struggle of dual natures- and their resolution in the God-Man.
6:Don't Judge, Lest You Be Judged
Surprise endings suggest a remedy for the evils of prejudice
7: The Triumph of Love over Death
The mystery of death meets the ultimate answer
8: The Question of Identity
Harry defines himself through choices, change, and destiny
9: Evidence of Things Unseen
The symbols in Potterdom are powerful pointers to spiritual realities
10: Fun with Names
The character names are delightful puzzles with hidden spiritual meanings
11: The Purification of the Soul
Spiritual keys to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
12: Dangerous Books and Edifying Books
Spiritual keys to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
13: Despair and Delivery
Spiritual keys to Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban
14: Girded with Virtue
Spiritual keys to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
15: Dark night of the Soul
Spiritual keys to Harry Potter and the the Order of the Phoenix
16: Baptism into a Sacrificial Death
Spiritual keys to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
17: Choosing to Believe
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the stuggle with faith in story form
18: Christian Birth through Baptism
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the alchemical adventures of a Christian Everyman
19: Victory Over Death
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the Passion gospel of Christian Everyman
20: FAQs
The other big questions on the minds of Harry Potter reader's
NotesMy Personal Opinion
"How Harry Cast His Spell:The Meaning Behind the Mania for J. K. Rowling's Bestselling Books"
is an interesting read for any Christian fan of Harry Potter, this book shows that Christian symbolism is easily found in the Harry Potter series for those willing to search for it.

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The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter Review

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(More customer reviews)If you liked any of the Harry Potter stories even a smidgen, you'll thoroughly enjoy The Seeker's Guide. Well and engagingly written, this book brings together Dr. Geo Trevarthen's vast knowledge of Celtic spirituality, ritual magic, myth, and the timeless themes from spiritual traditions across the globe and through the ages to show us why Rowling's Harry Potter touches us at such a deep level.
Whether you lovingly read every book or just caught the movies, The Seeker's Guide is a delight to read and chock full of fascinating information. It's like getting your own course at Hogwarts -one that reveals how grounded this story is in ancient wisdom and, if we practice, just how we all might live the magical and mythical life.
This is not just a rehash of Potter trivia or play list of characters and events. In this book a respected expert on Celtic shamanism and spirituality, in solid overview and with thorough endnotes, explains how the many details and larger themes in the Harry Potter series are supported by the wisdom teachings of the ages.
The depth of information in the book is nicely balanced by Trevarthen's humor and deep appreciation of Rowling's work. For the spiritual seeker this book is an absolute treasure chest of esoteric wisdom lovingly wrapped up in a delightful "unauthorized course". And if you just plain loved Harry and want to learn more about why that might be, then check out this book.
I highly recommend The Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter.

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter Review

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(More customer reviews)Complete Idiot's Guide to The World of Harry Potter by Tere StoufferWhen I got this book I thought it might just be a recap of the Harry Potter books, all of which I enjoyed immensely. However, to my surprise and delight this is truly a GUIDE, although certainly not written for idiots, despite the catchy name of the series of excellent and informative books! Instead, it holds a wealth of fascinationg knowledge, showing that J.K. Rowling really researched her fantastic stories in minute detail,rather than making it all up. In this guide, which you can use like a dictionary to look up terms you don't understand in the British or archaic language, or which you can enjoy reading straight through and devouring the knowledge of medieval practices, beliefs, cures, spells, and more. You can understand terms used in fairy tales and old English and Celtic lore; increase your vocabulary to include many real words you didn't know; understand references to mythological traditions and floklore; have insight into the beliefs and legends of Egyptian, Greek, Mesopotamian, and Roman gods and traditions. You will learn about many herbs and the actual medicinal practices of ancient times, on which Rowling bases her potions. And, of course, many of the references and situations in the Harry Potter Series are explained and clarified, without ruining the plot of those you haven't yet read. This is a fascinating book to read even if you have not read the Rowling books. I highly recommend it!

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For fans of all ages ... Here is an entertaining and easily referenced presentation of insider information to the world that J.K. Rowling has created in her spellbinding series of novels. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World of Harry Potter explores all aspects of the wizarding world and explains factually in terms of their relationship to historical, literary, religious, scientific, or mythological roots. —In-depth information on the facts behind all seven books in the Harry Potter series —Covers all the relevant influences for the Harry Potter series, from religion and mythology to science and literature. —Can be read from cover to cover or used as a quick-reference guide

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The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter (revised edition) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am an adult Harry Potter fan, and I found this to be an excellent guide to the historical events and figures behind the characters in the books. I learned about the real Nicolas Flamel, for instance, and about many mythological creatures similar to those in the Potter books. Surprisingly, it is a much better guide than the 500-plus page volume, "Beacham's Sourcebook...Exploring Harry Potter" by Elizabeth Schafer. Schafer's book seems at first glance to be a well-researched guide to the ideas and figures behind the series, but I found her analysis and conclusions to be somewhat forced. It strikes the reader as more of an adult reference book than "The Magical Worlds..." does--this one can definitely be enjoyed by young readers-- but Colbert's guide is much more grounded in fact, sticking to explaining who the historical figures were and what events are related to the Potter books. Each chapter is short, explaining one name, creature, or idea. This made it very easy to explore in short stretches, without having to start from the beginning. It doesn't pretend to offer a deep analysis of Rowling's motives or thought process, but does give us the background to further appreciate her work. Think of it as a quick course in mythology and history as related to the Harry Potter books. I find myself referring to it repeatedly, while Schafer's book sits on my shelf. A must-read for any Potter fan interested in learning more about his magical world!

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