SOURCE: A review of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, in Cornwall, Vol. 98, No. 1, January, 2000, pp. 35–6.

In the following review, De Lint states that the “Harry Potter” books extend beyond the realm of fantasy and young adult literature precisely because they are books that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

I'm a late convert to this series, but since you might be as well, I think it's worth a brief discussion. Originally published as young adult novels, the Harry Potter books have gained widespread fame outside the limits of both the fantasy and young adult fields for one good reason: they really are wonderful books that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages—And happily, there are no cliffhangers here; the novels stand up quite well, each on its own.

The series begins with Harry Potter and...