Many of my current students haven't read the Harry Potter series. They were born in 2000 and 2001. The first of the novels was published in 1997, and most of their parents weren't obsessed with Muggles and Wizards the way Dan and I were.

I totally miss Harry as a common, dominant cultural fixture. He and his pals were very useful for teaching about literary elements and themes, for one thing. For another thing, I just love those peeps.

Imagine my delight, then, when I began listening to J.K. Rowling's latest book, The Cuckoo's Calling, which she wrote under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and recognized so many conventions I enjoyed while reading about Diagon Alley, Privet Drive, and Hogwarts. Long sentences, complex characterization, gentle humor, and brilliant plotting. Rowling says she's going to write more books in this detective series. I'm so excited. I really am.