Imagine a school where you learn only of the magic world, and so-called "essential" classes, such as math and reading, are not taught. Instead, you're instructed on divination, potions and Muggle history.

Welcome to the world of Harry Potter, where anything from flying on broomsticks to turning frogs into pigs is possible.

This is the world that British author J.K. Rowling created in her popular Harry Potter series. Currently, there are three books; but when it's complete, the series will contain seven titles. These books are entirely fictional, but most kids are able to imagine that Harry's world is one they can explore, too.

The books have become a favorite of children's literature, and they are predicted to continue to be so after the release of the fourth book on July 8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has been on The New York Times best-seller list for more than a year, and the upcoming book, rumored to be titled Harry Potter and the Doomspell Tournament, tops Amazon. com's best-seller list, even though it isn't available yet.

Since 1998, kids all over the world have been dashing to libraries and bookstores to get their hands on a copy of the Harry Potter books, including a swarm of kids who headed to the Lawrence Branch Library last spring to participate in Harry Potter Trivia Day.

Y-Press talked with a group of these enthusiasts to find out what makes the books so appealing, and how the kids have reacted to some of the criticism the books have been receiving.

Why are children drawn to these books? Although some kids may be wary of the length (the third book is more than 300 pages), they cannot help finishing the books once they start.

Some kids are persuaded by their friends to investigate the world of Harry Potter.

"I first heard about it when kids in my class were reading it, and I decided it'd be cool because I wanted to find out what they were reading and what Harry Potter was about," said Ben Nelson, 9.

For others, it's the subject matter.

"I like the books because there's a wizard, and it talks about magic and stuff," said Caroline Kirby, 9. "It's not like some books where it's just about people."

For still others, it's the main characters that keep them coming back for more.

"A lot of the reason that kids get hooked on the books is because almost everybody knows somebody like Hermione, who's really good at school and who doesn't want her friends to get in trouble, or someone like Harry, who's adventurous and always getting into trouble," said Whitney Shouse, 12.

Speaking of trouble, there have been instances where children have been reading the books during school instead of working on their lessons. However, none of the kids interviewed mentioned any problems.

In fact, it was Amanda Jurczak's teacher who got her interested in Harry Potter.

"My teacher brought the first one in and started reading it to us, and I got excited and got the second and third ones for Christmas," said the 10-year-old.

USA Today recently reported that from New York to California, the book is pitting parents against librarians. Some critics call the books demonic, and a handful of parents have been worried about their kids actually going out and trying to do some of the things they read about, like flying on a broomstick or mixing animal hair and poison to make a potion.

Zach Farr, 11, didn't see much of a point in all the fuss. "I don't think it's right, because witchcraft and wizardry don't exist, and I don't see why they should have a problem with it because nothing is really going to happen.''

Contrary to the critics, these kids believe that Harry Potter actually teaches some good lessons, such as "you can have fun without doing drugs and alcohol, and even though you can have adventures, it is still really good to get good grades," Whitney said.

Caroline pointed out that Harry is a good role model. "I think Harry is the best because even though people are mean to him, he doesn't fight back -- he doesn't hurt them.''

In fact, Harry Potter has encouraged some kids to pick up a good habit.

"I know a lot of people who have read more because of the Harry Potter books, and I have, too," said Tom Bemenderfer, 8.

In general, it seems that almost everyone who reads the books enjoys them. "I think that any age person would like Harry Potter because even though he is 12 or 13, even a grown-up or younger kid could enjoy it," Caroline said. "My mom read the Harry Potter books and my dad read some of it, and they like them."

If there is anything that these kids would change about the books, they would make them even more strange and maybe a little less scary.

"If I were J.K. Rowling, I would change the names of the bad guys," said Madison Stephens, 10. "If they weren't that bad, they wouldn't be as scary to read."

Tom suggested that Rowling "delete all the scariest parts and turn them into something funny."

Whitney suggested no more mentions of profanity. "In the third book, I know she had some bad words in there, and I'd ask her to edit those out," she said.

But overall, no one is abandoning Harry Potter.

"I've read them a total of 14 times," exclaimed Caroline of Harry's three adventures.

And she would read them all again, she added.

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Emma Hulse, 13.

REPORTERS: Evan Daniluck, 12; Ben Hohman, 12; Xixi Hohman, 13; and Nora O'Connor, 12.