Harry Potter ~ and I mean the series as a whole ~ changed my mind about a lot of things. First, it really opened my eyes to the whole category of young adult literature. Growing up I think I went right from The Babysitter's Club to Stephen King. Seriously, I think I was the only sixth grader ever to take Insomnia to school with me. So I kind of skipped over most of the young adult category. I have to say I've spent the last couple of years catching up!

What are the other ways that Harry Potter made a difference?

It's beautifully written, and I learned to appreciate Rowling's use of foreshadowing and narrative misdirection.

Also, Harry Potter is what I consider a new generation morality tale. It's the lesson that a good person isn't necessarily a nice person *cough, Snape, cough* That money doesn't mean happiness, and poverty doesn't mean misery. It's learning that the choices we make matter just as much, if not more, than our abilities.



And the runner up's are...

Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series.

Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series (even if the author is a douchebag).

Stephen King's....well, just all of Stephen King!

Orson Scott Card's Enchantment.

Mercedes Lackey's Magic's Promise.

Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Series.



That's all I could think of off the top of my head :)