Privilege and white privilege are serious topics reflected in many of the beliefs and politics of the wizarding world. We haven't quite gotten there yet. Instead let us consider Harry's ability to roam freely in a section that is prohibited to many, but not all. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #privilege

All the goals in this chapter - sporting goals, personal goals, academic goals. Goals are important because they keep us moving towards that promised something. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #goals #latepost

As much as I wanted to deviate from the obvious, I just couldn't resist that chapter ending in regard to friendship. The Harry-Ron-Hermione friendship is a cornerstone of this series, and I think one of the best portrayals of friendship, ever. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #latepost #friendship

A not-so-obvious betrayal is when Harry betrays himself in a way. He doesn't think through his actions and breaks a rule by flying, which could have put his continuance at Hogwarts in jeopardy. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #latepost #betrayal

This chapter includes a memorable first potions class, and sets up the promise of Snape and Harry's captivating antagonistic relationship. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #promise

This is a moment of upmost vulnerability for all first years. Their sorting into a particular House will have many repercussions, and so the students, in this most vulnerable state, huddle together to feel a bit safer. (I've kept up to date on reading, but here come the late posts!) #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #vulnerability

Everything's been building to this moment where our expectations and Harry's expectations are just on the edge of actualization - the entrance to Hogwarts. Beyond that, this chapter continually plays with the assumptions and expectations we have when meeting new people. #hpchapteraday #harrypotter #hp1 #expectation

Harry and Hagrid's "stranger status" is juxtaposed. Hagrid is the outsider in the Muggle world, whereas Harry is a stranger to the wizarding world, interestingly, despite his fame. #harrypotter #hpchapteraday #hp1 #stranger

Hagrid's first words upon re-meeting Harry ask for generosity. When no generosity is found from the Dursleys, Hagrid quickly becomes the generous one. What a memorable beginning to this character. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #generosity

The letters become a pervasive embodiment of fear for the Dursleys, despite their best efforts to escape. The Dursleys' fear of otherness is so sadly, clearly mirrored in real life. #hpchapteraday #hp1 #harrypotter #fear

"Ever year, Harry was left behind..."
Until this one, when he finds himself across from a conveniently symbolic snake. Loneliness is ever present for Harry, whether he's left behind, or surrounded by a crowd. Even the one creature he connects with is distanced by glass. #hpchapteraday #harrypotter #loneliness #hp1

I thought this book would be a bit too cliche or cheesy for my taste, but I am glad to be wrong. In this nonfiction YA adaptation of the "The Other Wes Moore" we get a realistic & inspirational page-turner. Wes turns his life around after growing up in tough circumstances. All of my 8th grade students (boys) who read it LOVED it, and these are not kids who typically devour books. Win! #teachersoflitsy #wesmoore #memoir

Commitment: the quality of being dedicated to a cause. While the commitment that McGonagall shows in the first chapter is impressive, what struck me was the stubborn commitment of the Dursleys to utterly reject evidence of the magical happenings around them. Their dedication is to the cause of normalcy. #hpchapteraday #harrypotter #hp1

This story focuses on Trino, a 7th grade boy growing up in poverty. There are two clear and different paths he could take in life, hence "choice." This is an option for my middle school students' book clubs. It has a good message, but overall I felt like character development was severely lacking. Might be a good option for reluctant readers, esp. boys. #teachersoflitsy #YA #diversebooks

What a pleasant and breezy read! No shocking reveals, and that was fine by me. I found this to be very grounded, and especially enjoyed the stories of childhood/young adulthood. The Gilmore stuff was fun hearing about from her POV, but it was stuff I mostly already knew. However, I'm more well-versed in all things Gilmore than your average joe. Overall, def recommend if looking for a quick read ☕️☕️☕️ #laurengraham #quickread #gilmoregirls