At 870 pages, The Order of the Phoenix is not only a respectable length for adults to carry around, but they will find less and less need to go to the gym. Harry marked an important turning point for literature in general. Before the rise of the Potter series, there was no such thing as a Children's Best Sellers List, which was frantically invented when it was realized the "best seller," a few years back, was intended for twelve-year-olds. Not only did Rowling raise awareness that there is a huge cross-over market, as adults, many without kids, were suddenly clamoring for the children's section, but it sparked a movement of many accomplished adult writers trying their hand at writing for the younger generation, some much more successfully than others.
Master of suspense, Dean Koontz recently attempted (attempted being the key word) to create a book of fluffy children's poems which just might have been the most painful work of poetry created in the last 100 years, even including poetry by eight-year-olds the book was intended for. Stephen King has announced his plans this year to expand his writing as well, giving the still eminent R.L. Stine some decent competition finally.
Master of suspense, Dean Koontz recently attempted (attempted being the key word) to create a book of fluffy children's poems which just might have been the most painful work of poetry created in the last 100 years, even including poetry by eight-year-olds the book was intended for. Stephen King has announced his plans this year to expand his writing as well, giving the still eminent R.L. Stine some decent competition finally.
(Just for the record if there's one children'swriter Rowling should respect it would be Stine whose "Goosebumps"series still hold many records in the biz.) Carl Hiaasen, of Basket Case and Sick Puppy fame, was given the prestigious 2003 Newbery Honor for his first children's book Hoot. A not quite as successful attempt was made by The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay author Michael Chabon with Summerland, a pre-teen flop.
Why is it that Hiaasen was able to make this transition away from the land of grown-ups, while Koonz and Chabon could not? It's simple, and it's exactly the reason why if those ten-year old Rowling's fans leave their newest Potter book lying around they are sure to catch their parents sneaking away with it. The fact is what makes a good "children's book" really shouldn't differ from what makes any book a success. Sure, they might be missing the curse words and are void of any racy sex scenes, but Hoot, like The Order of the Phoenix, never talks down to its readers and instead focuses on creating an engaging story, not just one that would appeal to this age group or that age group.
Why is it that Hiaasen was able to make this transition away from the land of grown-ups, while Koonz and Chabon could not? It's simple, and it's exactly the reason why if those ten-year old Rowling's fans leave their newest Potter book lying around they are sure to catch their parents sneaking away with it. The fact is what makes a good "children's book" really shouldn't differ from what makes any book a success. Sure, they might be missing the curse words and are void of any racy sex scenes, but Hoot, like The Order of the Phoenix, never talks down to its readers and instead focuses on creating an engaging story, not just one that would appeal to this age group or that age group.
As a side note on the subject of curse words and racy sex scenes, Rowling seemed to be enjoying herself immensely reminding us puberty is a bitch, whether you are a wizard struggling to save the world or just a pimply-faced Muggle like the rest of us. Many of these struggling teens are cut off in the middle of mentioning certain words and there is a scene where a row of living portrait paintings all give a character an angry "hand gesture." Harry also has his first racy encounter with a female and some fifteen-year-old hormones, but you'll have to read the book to find out more about that.
So now, days after its anticipated release, the countdown must start once again, as readers look towards Rowling with outstretched book-empty palms. When the Harry Potter books first came out, it was obvious there were going to be only seven volumes, one for each year Harry went to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now a new countdown should start, not only for the sixth book, but one for Rowling herself. What is going to happen to this gifted writer once the series has ended? Will she venture into other realms, finding new magic in different ideas, characters, or will she always be cast under the spell of her own success, every review saying "Well, her new work is good, but not as good as any of the Potter books."
At this point, it's hard to imagine anything will ever be better.
At this point, it's hard to imagine anything will ever be better.
