The Harry Potter Alliance
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Fans can fight real-world evil with social-activism site.
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What’s It About?
The Harry Potter Alliance is the website for a nonprofit organization that promotes social justice through the lens of Harry Potter's wizarding world. As the site says, \"Did you ever wish that Harry Potter was real? Well, it kind of is.\" Just like Dumbledore's Army fought to create unity and empowerment for underserved wizards, the HPA focuses on making the real world a better place. Kids who join the alliance can get involved with online campaigns, join a local chapter, or attend LeakyCon, a yearly conference.
Is It Any Good?
The Harry Potter Alliance is an outstanding outlet for Harry Potter lovers who want to continue Harry's work in doing good in the world. It might seem silly, but there are some great parallels between what Harry, Ron, and Hermione do and how people continue to fight for social justice in the real world. It's a great take on fandom, a way to create a community and use that passion for a greater good.
For kids who identify as "nerds" or don't feel connected to a certain crowd at school, the HPA could be right up their alley. The site isn't limited only to Harry Potter fans but branches out into other fictional heroes from Doctor Who to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's a great way for kids to turn the fantasy of heroism into real-life heroic actions.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
- Families can talk about the parallels between Harry's world and our own. There may be no Voldemort on earth, but what are forces of "evil" that cast a shadow over those working for positive change?
- Harry, Ron, and Hermione are all different. How does each of them contribute to the fight in her or his own way? Have kids identify ways to contribute with their own positive traits.
Website Details
- Subjects: Social Studies: citizenship, cultural understanding, global awareness, Language & Reading: discussion, forming arguments, reading
- Skills: Emotional Development: empathy, perspective taking, Responsibility & Ethics: following codes of conduct, honoring the community, respect for others, Self-Direction: initiative, personal growth, self-reflection
- Genre: Civic Engagement
- Topics: Activism
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: March 2, 2019
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Harry Potter Online
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