It is appropriate for grades 5 through 8. It will not be placed on the shelves in Zeeland Public School's libraries, but will be made available for check out to students with written parental permission. Students selecting a Harry Potter for a book report can do so with prior written parental permission. Any future books beyond book 3 in the Harry Potter series will not be purchased for our libraries but will be available through local libraries and bookstores. The instructional method of reading aloud to students offers one of the strongest reading influences available.
Literature comes alive for many students when they hear a story read by their teacher.
Such role modeling is outstanding for all of our youth, particularly when students are exposed to literature they otherwise might not have chosen to read. I also believe that all students should be included in this classroom activity. I thank each of you for your dedication to the instruction of our children through literature. It is not often you will hear from me regarding the selection of books. When you do, however, you can be assured that I have done my homework on the issues and will always strive to make decisions that I feel best represent the Zeeland community and Zeeland Public Schools.