I believe that Harry Potter should be used in the classroom. I haven't read much of the book yet but I have viewed several movies in the series. The problem parents have with Harry Potter books is the teaching of magic and "witch craft." Kids will be kids and they need something imaginative to read; we can't stomp out books that create and inspire the imagination. I like the section of the article where the author talks about books creating criminals; if this were true the prison system would be full of offenders who have been reading books that should have been banned. I do believe that certain material should only be appropriate for the age level it's recommended for. There is a fine line between what is good and bad, and as teachers we are the ones who decide what our students should read.
I would have the book available in my classroom, but I would not require it to be read as a class book. I understand that some parents have problems with these books, so therefore I would allow my students to read it on their own time and for their own pleasure. I think Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone will help teach kids other lessons besides practicing magic. In the book there is a strong sense of friendship and bravery, which can be great things for students to exhibit in their own lives.
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Although we are the ones who should decide what our students read, we won't be. There are so many books that offend people these days that it's like walking on eggshells when teachers try to find a book that will suit all families. I came from a family that wouldn't let me read certain things that my friends were able to read because of religious reasons. I honestly felt jipped and robbed of an experience.
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