The backlash was inevitable.

The three Harry Potter books tell the story of a young boy learning to become a wizard at a magical school called Hogwarts. At first glance, nothing here would seem offensive, especially given the comic tone of the books. (The third book has gotten a little darker, but only in comparison to an initial book that includes sentences like: "Professor McGonagall watched them turn a mouse into a snuffbox -- points were given for how pretty the snuffbox was, but taken away if it had whiskers.") But in today's hypersensitive cultural climate, anything can be found to have some offensive elements -- you just have to look hard enough.

First came the conservative pro-family Christian groups, ignoring more morally dubious -- but less popular -- works in a drive to remove the Harry Potter books from classrooms and libraries. These parents are concerned that the cheerful depiction of magic will tempt young readers enthralled with the books to leave Christianity and follow paganism.

If modern paganism could teach me to do half the stuff in these books, I'd be its most fervent convert. The students learn fun stuff like shrinking potions (which would certainly have enlivened my chemistry class), how to make a pineapple dance across your desk (which beats algebra, hands down) and how to fly on a broomstick (which leaves regular gym in the dust).

Unfortunately, modern witchcraft bears as much resemblance to Hogwarts' curriculum as my eighth-grade chemistry class did to Professor Snape's potions class, with the possible exception that my chemistry teacher was a lot nastier. Nor does Hogwarts seem to have any particular religious leanings outside of the annual, and very secular, Christmas party, and a few characters walking around with suspiciously classical names. A more valid critique would be that the books contain no trace of religion or religious observance whatsoever, doubtful at a time when the majority of us still do attend religious services.

It's worth noting also that the magic depicted by Rowlings does seem to have some moral sense attached to it. The few spells used to harm others usually backlash on the user in a riotously humorous or dreadful way. Thus, the evil Voldemort loses most of his powers after using magic to kill Harry's parents. And when Ron attempts to curse the school bully, Draco Malfoy, his wand backfires, and poor Ron spends the next few hours throwing up slugs. (Scenes like this explain why 10-year-olds love the books.)

Conservative groups have also expressed concern with the violence in the books, which, when compared to the typical Hollywood PG movie, seems terribly mild. Objections were also raised to the depiction of the Dursleys, the family that Harry has to spend his miserable summer vacations with. They are Muggles, people who can't do magic, and they are so awful that they become irresistibly funny. The Dursleys force Harry to sleep in a cupboard, constantly yell at him, hit him and prevent him from communicating with his friends. They give him a toothpick for a Christmas present. This is in marked contrast to the spoiling of their son, the nasty Dudley, who sobs on one birthday because he's only received 36 presents. His mother hastily comforts him with the promise of more gifts to come: "Dudley thought for a moment. It looked like hard work."

It must be admitted that the Dursleys do not present a positive picture of the traditional nuclear family. But the books also introduce us to the loving, nurturing Weasley family that has somehow managed to raise seven highly intelligent, charming kids. Unfortunately, they're also poor, barely able to afford their kids' school fees; their house ("it looked as though it had once been a large stone pigpen") is falling to pieces. And yet, when Harry visits Ron's family:

"It's a bit small," said Ron quickly. "Not like that room you had with the Muggles. And I'm right underneath the ghoul in the attic; he's always banging on the pipes and groaning." But Harry, grinning widely, said, "This is the best house I've ever been in."

Find a better statement for "family values" anywhere.

Maya Angelou reads from "The Heart of a Woman"