The local Barnes and Noble made an event around the release of the newest HP. They had magicians and face painting...stayed open extra late so copies could be sold at 12:01am. Maybe it sounds like a lot of hype to some of you but I've seen a 10 year old boy counting the days down until he could read this book...when is the last time you saw a child so excited to read that they were counting the days until they could read a new book? I'm sorry but I think this is a great thing...and if it takes all the secrecy and hype...so be it.

The 10 year old has a 13 year old sister who refuses to read anything. The mother has tried everything with the girl and has decided to do whatever it takes to get the younger one interested in reading. So for now, it's Fantastic 4 comic books and Harry Potter....he's reading...without being asked to, told to or otherwise coerced into it....HE IS READING AND LOVING IT! That's the bottom line, isn't it?

BTW....mother and son went to Barnes and Noble 7 hours early....and spent the time reading TOGETHER....excellent!!!!!!!!!

Michelle