Margaret Meek Spencer On Reading

In Margaret Meek Spencer’s essay on “Reading” in Keywords for Children’s Literature, Spencer provides background on the progression of reading throughout history and how it developed from accountants using it to keep track of trade deals, to a fundamental learning skill in schools. Now, with access to books that have a wider range of genres than ever before, books become an even more important part of a child’s life. As Spencer states: “[Reading] not only extends their linguistic competences, their cognitive growth, and their cultural belonging, but also changes their views of the world and of other people” (194). Books do more than just teach children the skills they need to be successful in life; they also provide a greater understanding
K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series are often considered to be more tolerant, more open-minded, and more resistant to prejudices (Cruz). When a child reads Harry Potter at a young age, while they are learning about what is right and what is wrong, the books that surround them are bound to be influential. When you read about Draco Malfoy’s bullying, and how other characters – the good guys – stand up to him, it provides a sort of example for young readers. The same goes with Harry’s resistance to Voldemort and Umbridge throughout the series. We see how a single, young person can identify what is wrong and stick to those beliefs regardless of the obstacles they face. As the article by Cruz shows, reading books can have an active effect on the audience, not only by recognizing bullying in their own lives, but have firm, unwavering ideas of what a leader should look like – and are willing to resist someone who resembles the villain we have read about. Books like Harry Potter are making a tangible impact on the lives of its audience as they grow into adults, and only emphasize the importance of reading at a young age. As we’ve seen from protests, from Black Lives Matter to the Women’s March, and other resistance online, literature plays an important role in the ability to stand up for what’s right. Signs, art, blogs, tweets, and articles referencing Dumbledore’s leadership, Voldemort’s