Rose had been really snappy the last twenty-four hours, and I know why. It's not because she was overexcited before her concert or overexcited after her concert or overexcited about the sleepover birthday party she's currently attending. It's because she's started Harry Potter, and she doesn't want to put it down, ever. I understand completely.

I've been very hesitant about setting her loose on Harry Potter. Partially, because book one does have some mature themes--like kids being cruel to each other and adults attempting to kill children--but also because it's hard to stop when you know there are six more books, and their themes really are too dark. She tried to read him about six months ago and didn't get very far; the book didn't make sense. But after spell day, we sat down and started reading it together. She was having no trouble understanding this round and despite the pleasure of being read to, she couldn't wait for me. She's been reading morning, noon, and night. And then she calls from her room after bedtime because she wants to read more.