The Scotsman yesterday reported that children aged 9 - 15 have named the
Harry Potter series as the books they would most recommend to MPs (Members of Parliament, British politicians) to read over the summer. They based their choices on the novels they thought best conveyed 'an insight into the main issues and concerns of children and teenagers.' The children polled decided that the Potter series would help the MPs to 'use their imagination.'
The most popular books were presented to MPs by kids at an All Party Parliamentary Group meeting. They are to be kept in the House of Commons (where the politicians debate and vote on laws) library.
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Honor Wilson-Fletcher, director of the National Year of Reading, said: "Every MP should read from our list this summer if they want to better understand the world of their younger constituents. What's fascinating is how young people see books as a medium through which adults can understand them better. It's a great demonstration of the power of reading."
Recently MPs from East Lancashire likened themselves to literary characters, with Burnley MP Kitty Ussher comparing herself to Hermione Granger.
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She said: “I think that on a good day I would be Hermione from Harry Potter because when things are going well, with a lot of hard work, determination and a little bit of magic, I seem to be able to solve problems.
“And I think a witch is quite appropriate for Burnley considering the history of Pendle.
“On a bad day my husband would probably say I’m more like Worzel Gummidge.”