Chopper--
Harry Potter has that unique quality of connecting with any person in any time or place. Not unlike J R R Tolkein or C S Lewis with their fantasy writings.
IMHO, what I noticed as unique and appealing to all ages is that Harry is an underdog. He was an orphan, mistreated by his relatives, yet in spite of that, he has something special about him that makes him wonderful. Not only that he is a wizard but he even has unique talents within the wizard world. (ie broom flying, and Quidditch, basically the wizard's answer to polo.)
The stories are also believable. There are no "happily ever afters". Life does not get easier when Harry discovers his true identity; in fact, it is only the beginning of his growth. Pick a religion or philosophy in the world, and you will find some part of it that says that personal growth comes through trials and tribulations. Well, Harry's got those. Hence the books. <g>
As I mentioned in another post, my husband works for Minute Maid. We found out about 6 months prior to the first movie release that there would be promotional work for TMMC due to Coca-Cola's deal with the production company. Patrick and I picked up Sorceror's Stone just to see what the hubbub was about, and for him to get an idea of the nuts-and-bolts he would be working with. I decided to glance at the first few pages before work one day out of curiosity. 2 hours and 4 chapters later I was late for work!
Overall, the message that I take away from these is that whoever you are, whatever cards life has dealt you, you have something inherent in you that makes you special. It's only a matter of finding it. This goes whether you are a kid in grammar school, a collegiate, or an adult.
Adrienne
