In an essay for How Books Sell, Teresa Nielsen Hayden shares her opinion on Harry Potter and the Halo Effect. Thanks, Jean!

John Leonard of The New York Times reviews Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix.

Today’s Get Fuzzy comic features Rob reading OotP (in past strips Rob has read HP AND worn a Gryffindor shirt.) Thanks to Charlotte and Cindy!

As of Thursday, July 10, at 7 p.m., Tug Yourgrau – Tony award nominated playwright, TV producer and radio actor – will read selections from “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” at the Melrose Public Library. This program will continue on weekly with Yourgrau reading on Thursday evenings in the children’s room on …read more!

Christianity Today has an interview with Lynn Schofield Clark, the author of From Angels to Aliens: Teenagers, the Media, and the Supernatural. Ms. Schofield discusses her book, modern teenage culture and her opinion on why young adults are turning to Harry Potter. They (stories like Harry Potter) feature teenagers in central roles who are called …read more!

The Manitowoc Herald Times reports that summer classes at The Urban Academy of Arcane Knowledge include Potions, Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures.

An article in the Indiana Statesman discusses Harry Potter…man about campus.

The controversy continues over A.S. Byatt’s op/ed piece on Harry Potter. In an article in The Guardian, author Fay Weldon defends Byatt and her opinions. The author Fay Weldon praised her courage for speaking out. “She is absolutely right that it is not what the poets hoped for, but this is not poetry, it is …read more!

Fiona Shaw, who plays Aunt Petunia in the Harry Potter films, is celebrating her birthday today! Thanks to Jessica for the tip!

Jerry Rapier of the Plan-B Theatre Company in Salt Lake City, UT has taken a new approach to fundraising this year. He will be presenting, And the Banned Played On, a showcase of literary works that have been banned by schools, public libraries and bookstores around the world – Harry Potter included. “When people realize …read more!