What Do You Read After Harry Potter?
As a teacher, this is a question I get asked surprisingly regularly (by both parents and students) and is in fact a question I have asked myself before. It is, of course, not limited to just Harry Potter, but can be extended to many beloved authors and series. It can be incredibly easy to become stuck on one series, author or genre of book, particularly if you really connect with the story, characters or themes. Additionally, this can be true of many different forms of media, whether that be music, TV or film.
But we all know that variety is the spice of life! Re-reading the same books again and again can bring a wonderful insight and be very rewarding as you spot new details, however, it can limit the ideas and thoughts you are exposed to.
So, what to do? What DO you read after Harry Potter?
Well the answer is whatever you like, but the plethora of books available makes this an incredibly hard choice. So over the years, I have compiled some tips and recommendations to stop the re-reading spiral.
First off tips for trying new books:
Though it can be hard to get to a bookshop, sitting in a bookshop and flicking through the covers is a brilliant way to find something that makes you exclaim, “Ooooo! That looks good!”
I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the number of books I have picked up just because I have liked the cover is too many to count! Sit down and read the first few pages, does it lure you in? Are you hooked? If so, get it, if not move on and find another!
2. Have you ever had that one book where you just can’t get past the first chapter? Well jump to Chapter 3, read that (the story has normally got going by then!) and see if you can keep going. I have done this with several books over the years and found some of my favourite stories this way.
3. Audiobooks - after finishing a long and beloved series, it can sometimes be hard to read a different style, so try audiobooks (you can often get free samples), see if they draw you in and if so, go and grab a physical copy. Sometimes you need someone else’s voice to break through the style you are so used to.
Next, here are some authors that you may like, if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter series:
Antony Horowitz - The Diamond Brothers series is a collection of detective novels aimed at 7- 14 year olds, it is funny, witty and has the same readability and mystery as Harry Potter.
If it was the fantasy aspect that had you delving into Harry Potter, then here are some good next reads:
Redwall by Brain Jacques
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
Inkheart by Corelina Funke
Eragon by Christopher Polini
Anything by CS Lewis
Read some classics! Either classic children’s literature like Roald Dahl or Enid Blyton or find some adapted versions of classic novels such as Dickens or Homer. I read a fantastic graphic novel version of the Odyssey recently!
Of course you can always ask around, as everyone has their own favourite books, series and it might just help you to find yours!
Mr Blount-Hogg, Head of Primary
