User blog comment:JoePlay/Wizarding World Giveaway/@comment-4134897-20110711003919

Harry Potter has been my childhood. I know a lot of people say that, but to me it has become more than just a series...it has become my life. When I was in first grade, I hated reading, almost to the point of coming to tears when I was told to read. The only book that I was confident enough to read was "The Three Little Pigs", and would read it over and over again. Eventually my teacher refused to let me read it anymore, and I became very turned off of reading. The next year, when I was in second grade, my sister picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and loved it. I opened it the next day, and after a month I had finally finished it. Harry Potter gave me the confidence and encouragement to branch out and read more, contributing not only to my current love for the series, but for reading as well. That in itself is more valuable than anything anyone could ever give me.

For eight years I have been able to dive deep into Harry's magical world and forget my real life problems. From bullying to deaths in the family, Harry Potter has given me a chance to escape. It has also provided me with common ground from which some of my strongest friendships have grown. Without Harry Potter, my childhood and life today would be dull, and I definitely wouldn't be the same person that I am today.