Teaching Harry Potter ― The Power of Imagination in Multicultural Classrooms

Given the current educational climate of high-stakes testing, standardized curriculum, and "approved" reading lists, incorporating unauthorized, often controversial, popular literature into the classroom becomes a political choice. Belcher and Herr Stephenson examine why teachers choose to read Harry Potter, how they use the books in multicultural elementary and secondary classrooms, and the teacher-student interactions that result. The authors also investigate the ways in which new media and fans' interactions with the Potter franchise have contributed to its cultural, economic, and educational power. The book encourages a critical discussion regarding the state of our educational system in the United States, contrasting the increasing lack of space allowed for imagination and complexity in schools with the rich experiences made available to readers through the Potter series. Its unique research methodology is part ethnographic, part practitioner research, and serves as an analytical commentary on current school culture and policy.

Catherine L. Belcher serves as the Director of Teaching and Learning at West Adams Preparatory High School, Los Angeles, USA and teaches in the Masters in Teaching Program of the Longy School of Music of Bard College, USA.




Becky Herr Stephenson is a researcher focused on teaching and learning with popular culture and technology.