Joe Barbarese Enchants Students with Discussions of the Harry Potter Books


Anyone who has children can tell you about the recent Harry Potter phenomena that has not only taken over bookstores and toy stores in the United States and in England, but will soon be taking over movie theaters as well. Dr. Joseph Barbarese, Assistant Professor of English at Rutgers University and an Associate of the RUCCCS, enchanted a discussion group at Rutgers in February with his insights into the wizardry that has cast an international spell over children of all ages.

Dr. Barbarese discussed the debates surrounding the assingment of the book to children. Dr. Barbara Nunney, Assistant Superintendent of Gloucester Township Middle Schools, also interested in Harry's spell, invited Dr.Barbarese to speak with middle school children about the Potter Books.

Dr. Barbarese and five students from his Children's Literature class (Terri Duffy, Franny Magee, Amy Thompson,
Christopher Tracy and Robin Waterhouse) conducted workshops with students at the Glen Landing Middle
School, Mullen School, and C.W. Lewis School in May.

The middle schoolers identified, through surveys, their favorite authors and the topics about which they would like
to write books. They also wrote essays in response to the following statement: "Harry Potter is a unique character
with many special abilities. In addition to his individuality, he has numerous friendships with a variety of people.
Explain whether Harry Potter would be your friend and describe what Harry Potter would find unique about you."

The students were very enthusiastic and wanted to discuss why they feel that the morality attacks on J.K.
Rowling's books are unfounded. The students also questioned why class reading lists did not include selections in
which they expressed interest.

If you would like to schedule Dr. Barbarese to practice his own magic and lead a discussion group at your school,
please contact him at 856-225-6556.