The series' core appeal lies in its power fantasy elements—Harry's discovery of his magical identity, fame, wealth, and talents—which continue to attract young readers.

Criticisms of the series include outdated themes, judgmental character descriptions, and controversial elements like house elf slavery, which have aged poorly and sparked ongoing debate.

The upcoming HBO reboot of Harry Potter aims to stay more faithful to the original books, though it may not fully resolve some of the series' problematic aspects, while still emphasizing the enduring charm and simplicity that appeal to new readers.

As the series is revisited, there's ongoing debate about whether the Harry Potter books remain worth reading, especially with the promise of more book-accurate content in the new HBO adaptation.

The first three books continue to be highly enjoyable, offering fun, magical adventures centered around friendship, school life, and mystery-solving, solidifying their status as classics of children's literature.

Despite criticisms, it is recommended to focus on reading the first three or four books, as they remain culturally significant and enjoyable, with suggestions to explore other fantasy series like Philip Pullman's Dark Materials and Ursula Le Guin's Earthsea for similar tastes.

The early Harry Potter books are celebrated for their whimsical and straightforward plots, but as the series progresses, the darker themes—such as death, bigotry, and fascism—become more prominent, which some readers find less engaging or problematic.