I am a developmental psychologist who sees nothing wrong with children
engaging in fantasy reading. In fact, by the age that these books are
aimed at (middle childhood) children CAN tell the difference between
appearance and reality, that's what makes Harry's adventures so fun.
They can go on a crazy, exciting journey with someone their own age,
escape their own reality for a while, and come to a conclusion based on
a little on fact and a little on fantasy. Isn't this why we adults read
novels? I agree that having kids read at all is something we should
encourage, and the fact that they are hungry for new books should be a
good sign. Reading should be fun, not all based on reality. Kids deal
with reality every day. Sometimes they need a break. Remember Spider
Man?
--
Tasha R. Howe, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Transylvania University
300 N. Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508
(606) 233-8144
FAX (606) 233-8797
