Great Middle Grade Reads discussion

Many series hold great memories for us. I thought it may be good if we could share some great memories or lessons that we learned from the biggies. Looking forward to reading your thoughts :)

Great topic. Lots of memorable stuff in this series. One bit I really liked from this series is that Neville got a chance to be a hero. I need to re-read the books to remember exactly how it happened, but I just loved the very idea of it.

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "Great topic. Lots of memorable stuff in this series. One bit I really liked from this series is that Neville got a chance to be a hero. I need to re-read the books to remember exactly how it hap..."

I agree. There were quite a few unlikely heroes in the mix, but Neville does stand out.

Cheryl in CC NV wrote: "Great topic. Lots of memorable stuff in this series. One bit I really liked from this series is that Neville got a chance to be a hero. I need to re-read the books to remember exactly how it hap..."

My husband just finished the Harry Potter series -- he listened to the whole thing during his longish work commute -- he said his favorite character was Neville. I did love how he found his place and confidence on his own terms.

Professor Snape: hopeless romantic and what an amazing spy.

Justine wrote: "Professor Snape: hopeless romantic and what an amazing spy."

Oh yes totally agree.

oh yes... count me as one who has a silly crush...

Hello! I'm new and just popping in. Loved the Harry Potter series - a memorable, touching moment for me was Dobby's heroic sacrifice and the way the House Elves fought in the end. Shows that even the "smallest" and humblest beings can have the greatest courage.

Ah yes, Dobby is another under-rated hero.

I just love Luna Lovegood and was so happy she had an important part to play in the last book. She stays so perfectly sweet and strange throughout.

Evelyn wrote: "I just love Luna Lovegood and was so happy she had an important part to play in the last book. She stays so perfectly sweet and strange throughout."

Totally agree. Love the quirkiness and kind heart of Luna.

Darya wrote: "Hello! I'm new and just popping in. Loved the Harry Potter series - a memorable, touching moment for me was Dobby's heroic sacrifice and the way the House Elves fought in the end. Shows that even t..."

Dobby is one of mine (and my kids') fav characters. So humble.

Fred and George sticking it to Umbridge, that was the best!! I pretty much cheered aloud when reading this part.

Not a big fan of revenge usually but Erin, I agree, that was a great scene, and not nearly as bad as Umbridge's behavior.

Luna is a wonderful character, too.

I was going to say the scene where Fred & George get revenge on Umbridge, but as that as been said, I'll go with the moment Hagrid knocks the shed door down in the first book and rescues Harry. It's the first point I really got sucked into the story.

Victor wrote: "I was going to say the scene where Fred & George get revenge on Umbridge, but as that as been said, I'll go with the moment Hagrid knocks the shed door down in the first book and rescues Harry. It'..."

Yep... it was a great way to introduce Hagrid and his impact on Harry's future.

The first sentence. Honestly. The series was about three or four books in, and I, for some odd reason had resisted it. I didn't understand what the big deal was. Then, I opened up the first book.
Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.
For some reason, that little thank you very much sucked me right in. It's like Rowling was letting us know that this was going to be a fun adventure.

David wrote: "The first sentence. Honestly. The series was about three or four books in, and I, for some odd reason had resisted it. I didn't understand what the big deal was. Then, I opened up the first boo..."

I agree... It's so original and works a treat. So matter of fact.

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Love these books! I'm reading the series for the third time now.

There are so many FEELS in this series, but I gotta say, the Mirror of Erised gets me every time and then what Dumbledore says to ..."

Just some of his many wise words. I'm currently re-reading Order of the Phoenix.

You know, I re-read up to each new book as it came out. Until I got to the last two. Those just didn't thrill me, and I haven't reread either of those.

Beth, I have started once to re-read since then, and made it only through the first 3 books. So maybe they did diminish my love of the whole thing, or maybe I'd just had enough.

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "I know, pretty much anything Dumbledore says is epic and quotable.

I just finished up Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and am about halfway through [book:Harry Potter and the Ha..."

Beth, I think I'm up to re-read #6 :) following a recent visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Florida. It reinvigorated my love of the books.

Oh, the sorting hat! I just love that thing. Also, in reading the books to my son now (after having read them years ago before I had children) it's just wonderful how he laughs and laughs at the antics of Fred and George.

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "@S.W.
WOW, I've heard of the Wizarding World of HP in Florida.
DETAILS DETAILS!
What were some of your favorite experiences there (and I gotta know, what the gift shop was like?)"

Beth, it was absolutely wonderful. Just like stepping into the books. I took a bazillion photos and will be posting plenty of pics etc on my website over coming months. I'm not trying to drum up followers, but there is a link to my site on my author profile page if you're interested. Cheers.

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Oh sigh that just sounds WONDERFUL!

I bookmarked your site & blog and will definitely keep my eye on it ;) It looks like you posted some travel pics from other stuff you did at the Florida Parks t..."

:) Sure did. I'm working through the cities we visited, and all of the Disney and Universal parks.

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Is anyone else super excited about the illustrated edition (done by artist Jim Kay) of HP & The Sorcerer's Stone being released on October 6?!

In case you haven't heard, an illustrated edition wil..."

Wow! I can't imagine all the work that's going into those editions. What a wonderful idea! Okay, now that I know about them, I am super excited. :)

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Me too! I am TOTALLY buying a copy! And even though I've read the series three times already, I can't wait to read the illustrated edition -- it's going to be such a magical reading experience with..."

You know what would be really cool? Okay, this is pie in the sky--well, less likely than that even--but wouldn't it be great if Rowling released different editions illustrated by different artists? I would love to see a variety of interpretations of the story. And I'd start with Iacopo Bruno.

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "That would be cool, but I assume for the illustrated editions Rowling is going for consistency -- Jim Kay is doing all seven -- one released each year. I just cannot wait for the BIGGER books to be..."

Actually I meant all seven books done by the same illustrator. Boy, what an empire, eh? :) She could turn Harry Potter into an entire civilization.

Me too!

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Paula, Oh I understand now -- THAT would be quite the illustrated edition empire!

I continually long for Rowling to write Hogwarts: A History, that book that Hermione was always referencing that n..."

I suspect she'll get to that, Beth. What fun!!

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Oh gosh, you have no idea how much I hope so!

Also, since you're a big HP fan, I wondered if you know if Rowling has written any more of those super short stories based in the Harry Potter univers..."

Good question, Beth. Apparently there was a rumor that Rowling was going to release twelve stories last December, one for each day of Christmas. Then she clarified her announcement: there would not be twelve stories, but twelve different fun things, which would include some stories.

I have a Pottermore account and have been rooting around, but it's not obvious where the stories are, and apparently you have to "unlock" them in order to read them. I think Rowling is wonderful, but her Web site isn't organized as well as her mind seems to be. (Obviously she doesn't run it herself, although the managaement claims she's consulted.)

So the short answer to your question is, I don't know. :(

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Paula,
Well I'm at least glad that you know what I'm talking about :) I was so darn excited when I first discovered those super short stories.

I have heard similar feelings to yours -- Rowling is..."

Well, there is this . . .

J.K. Rowling Just Announced She Will Be Releasing New Stories Where Ron Dies Every Day For A Year!

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "That's gotta be a joke -- I can't even imagine her doing that."

It does sound crazy, not to mention a huge time sink. I will follow all this up, though.

I just loved all the descriptions - especially while she was really actively world-building in the first book! I credit reading Harry Potter in the second grade with the passion I developed for baking immediately afterwards. It was cool seeing how excited the characters got about the different strange foods!

Paula wrote: "Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "That's gotta be a joke -- I can't even imagine her doing that."

It does sound crazy, not to mention a huge time sink. I will follow all this up, though."

The worst April Fools' joke EVER was when JKR said that Harry Potter was a figment of Ron's imagination...nearly had a heart attack there

Delores Umbridge, added another layer of opposition for Harry to contend with - right at the heart of where he felt the safest - Hogwarts. 'I must not tell lies' has been undoubtedly etched into the memory of all readers, along with a million opinions on how we would like to throttle her and her fluffy pink cardigan. Remember this... (Booya!)

DU... "Potter, do something! Tell them I mean no harm!"
HP... "I'm sorry, Professor... but I must not tell lies."
DU... "What are you doing! I am senior undersecretary Delores Jane Umbridge! LET... ME... GOOOOOOOO!"

Beth Sniffs Books wrote: "Paula, Oh I understand now -- THAT would be quite the illustrated edition empire!

I continually long for Rowling to write Hogwarts: A History, that book that Hermione was always referencing that n..."

Oh, yes... I'd like that :)

I absolutely adore the Harry Potter series! I love every single moment, but my particular favorite is when Mrs. Weasley kills Bellatrix. *laughing out loud*

Go, Molly!!

Apart from the amazing new illustrated versions of the books that are coming out (book 1 is out, book 2 is due) have you seen the adult colouring books - there are two in our (UK) bestsellers list at present - one just called Harry Potter colouring book, and the other is Harry Potter magical beasts... now that is going on my wish list for Christmas!

That's actually a really good idea for Christmas presents. I should totally get the illustrated version of Harry Potter. I can't imagine how long it would be, though.

I've just received the audio books, and listened to most of Philosopher's Stone on my next long drive. Amazing how many scenes I'd forgotten :O

Jemima wrote: "I've just received the audio books, and listened to most of Philosopher's Stone on my next long drive. Amazing how many scenes I'd forgotten :O"

For me, each re-read finds new detail.

I would like to see the illustrated version. And a re-read of book one would be fun, but my enthusiasm wanes the farther the series goes on.

David wrote: "The first sentence. Honestly. The series was about three or four books in, and I, for some odd reason had resisted it. I didn't understand what the big deal was. Then, I opened up the first book. [..."

I totally agree David. That "thank you very much" was just a touch of genius. Like a wink to the reader through the stuffiness and idiocy of the Dursleys.

Love the rescue of Sirius from the tower with Buckbeak. Five star moment. :-) Also, the "kid voices" were right on. Harry, Hermione, and especially Ron and his brothers: they just sound like real kids. Lots of laughs, despite all the terrifying, creepy moments. And you can count me in as a Severus Snape fan.