Expert Available to Discuss Release of Second Harr

Harry Potter, the fictional protagonist of a popular series of children's books by J.K. Rowling, will make his second appearance on the big screen this month. But will the bespectacled fighter of evil forces still draw the crowds or will his legions of young fans abandon their interest in his magical adventures as they grow older?

Eliza T. Dresang, a professor in the School of Information Studies at Florida State University and an expert on children's literature, believes that young Harry Potter fans are on board for life in the same way that those who discovered the "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" books as children remain fans of the books and movies as adults. Evidence exists that the Harry Potter books already have fans of all ages.

With the Nov. 15 release of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" drawing near, Dresang can bring some perspective to the popularity surrounding the books and movies, which chronicle the young boy's adventures as a budding wizard. She also can discuss the changing role of Harry's friend Hermione, the subject of a chapter she has written for a new book, "The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter," edited by Lana Whited, to be published by the University of Missouri Press later this year.

Dresang is the author of "Radical Change: Books for Youth in a Digital Age" and "School Censorship in the 21st Century: A Guide for Teachers and School Library Media Specialists." She has written several scholarly works on the Harry Potter phenomenon.