Censorship--Harry Potter

First of all, I don't have any problems with the book being used in the classroom. I read part of it when I was in 7th grade, and because I didn't care to read books that were about lots of fantasy (and books that were requirements), I had a hard time getting interested in Harry Potter. I don't think that the book poses as a problem or needs to be banned from being used in the classroom because it is fantasy -- but with good morals, standards, and things to learn from. It is a story with good and evil, but it also lets good prevail in more than one case. What is the difference from other fantasy stories or fairy tales that we all know and love??? Secondly, I'm not sure if I would use it in my instruction because I am interested in teaching lower level grades like K-2. I don't think this book would be appropriate for the curriculum. If I were to teach higher level grades like 4-6, I don't see a problem in reading this book in class or having the students read it. Lastly, Harry Potter is not my cup of tea, but who's asking me to LOVE it? No one. I see that in all aspects of life there are people who try to get things banned or make things change nation-wide because it doesn't coincide with their beliefs: for example-- saying the pledge of allegiance in schools, prayer before sporting events, the words UNDER GOD taken out, etc...). I remember clearly the contraversy about the Harry Potter books when I was in middle school. I can remember being confused why someone would be so adamant about something like just a fantasy book. I know now that some of the themes in the book are somewhat challenging for come people to accept, but overall, I see it as merely a children's book of magic and fantasy. If I were to read this book in class or have the students read it, I would do just as my teacher did when my class read the book (7th grade) and send a notice to the parents, allowing them to approve of the book before their child reads it. If the parent doesn't approve, then the child will be assigned another book to read. I agree that it's not all that bad, but I just don't want to read them all! :)