The Harry Potter phenomenon created a surge in reading with a lasting effect on all areas of culture, especially education. Today, teachers across the world are harnessing the power of the series to teach history, gender studies, chemistry, religion, philosophy, sociology, architecture, Latin, medieval studies, astronomy, SAT skills, and much more. These essays discuss the diverse educational possibilities of J.K. Rowling's books. Teachers of younger students use Harry and Hermione to encourage kids with disabilities or show girls the power of being brainy scientists. Students are reading fanfiction, splicing video clips, or exploring Rowling's new website, Pottermore. Harry Potter continues to open new doors to learning.

Teaching with Harry Potter: Essays on Classroom Wizardry from Elementary School to College

Valerie Estelle Frankel

McFarland

A time travel epic featuring history and romance, Outlander--unlike most adventure series--is aimed at women audiences. The kilted male characters, the female narrator, the fantastic period costumes are atypical of male-gendered television. Both the show and the novels on which it is based address issues most series shy away from, like breast feeding, abortion and birth control. Role reversals are common--the powerful Claire rescues her virginal husband Jamie from sexual abuse. When the villainous Black Jack Randall displays his genitals to the heroine Jenny, she laughs. This collection of new essays examines Outlander as an exploration of what it meant and means to be a capable woman, in the 18th century and in the modern world. As Claire explores different models of strength in both periods, Jamie comes to understand the nuances of male honor, power and alternative sexuality through the contrasting figures of Black Jack and Lord John. As the heroes negotiate the complications of marriage and life, they make discoveries about gender that resonate with modern audiences.

Outlander's Sassenachs: Essays on Gender, Race, Orientation and the Other in the Novels and Television Series

Humor & Entertainment

Television

McFarland Company

The Divergent series is delighting the world with its epic of Tris and Four struggling through revolutions to create a better world. But there are deeper meanings and symbols beneath the surface. Why is it fitting that teens numbered three and four should remake the world? How many Biblical references appear? Why are ravens and crows such popular symbols? And what themes and images does this series share with The Hunger Games and all the other dystopias, past and present? Today's groundbreaking studies in brain chemistry and psychology tests merge with a frightening future in the recognizable ruins of Chicago. As Tris becomes a warrior woman on the classic heroine's journey, she discovers the deeper truths of the five Factions, and in so doing, the deeper truths of herself. What these truths are, clever fans can discover through close analysis of the trilogy.

Choosing to Be Insurgent or Allegiant

Children's Books

Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio

<p>All is not well at Chickenfeet Academy. Lord Revolting, murderous goldfish-flusher and creator of the mega-wedgie, seeks ingredients to take over the world, including Really Wimpy's pet rock! Henry Potty and his best buddies set out to rescue it, unaware the least likely character in the book has enticed it away for her own sneaky agenda. Henry struggles through Hobology and Extremely Dry History, preps for America's Funniest Fairygodchildren, and tries to avoid laundering Professor Snort's dreaded hankies, or worse, watching A History of Cabbages in Polish. All the while, he has his fan club ready, down to the exclusive "Henry Potty" toothpick holders, although none of his fans exist yet. Unapproved, unendorsed, unofficial, and unstoppable: an award-winning parody for all the Harry Potter fans.</p>

Henry Potty and the Pet Rock: An Unauthorized Harry Potter Parody

Literature & Fiction

WingSpan Press

Catastrophe strikes Chickenfeet Academy, and it s not just the cafeteria food. Lord Revolting, murderous goldfish-flusher, needs Really Wimpy s pet rock to conquer the world! While battling him with squirt guns and cheesy how-to guides, Henry Potty aces Hobology, preps for America s Funniest Fairygodchildren, and tries to avoid laundering Professor Snort s dreaded hankies, or worse, watching A History of Cabbages in Polish. All the while, the least likely character watches, coveting the pet rock for her own sneaky agenda. What part does Socks the parrot, wisecracking pet of Headmaster Bumbling Bore, play in all this? Will Revolting dare the ultimate villainy and spoil the book? Will this novel waste your entire morning? There s only one way to know... Unapproved, unendorsed, unofficial, and unstoppable: an award-winning parody for all the Harry Potter fans. Now with over 100 pages of new hilarity! Watch Henry Potty take on sparkly vampires in the Try Wizarding Tournament and unite all the hottest franchises into the powerful Order of the Takeout in brand-new scenes exclusive to the special edition.

Henry Potty and the Pet Rock: An Unauthorized Harry Potter Parody (Special Edition)

Humor & Satire

Northbound Press