How young is too young for Harry's readers?

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is notable among children's literature in several regards. One aspect of the series that is both creative and unique is the way in which the books generally progress in length, difficulty and complexity as the primary characters (Harry, Ron and Hermione) age. Many young readers have expressed their delight in being able to "grow up" with Harry and his friends. Parents and teachers may wonder, however, at what age children should start reading Harry Potter, and how each book specifically differs in age appropriateness. In this talk, the complexity of the characters, ideas and moral dilemmas of each book will be addressed. A detailed examination of the treatment of death and torture as it affects age appropriateness in the series will be discussed. In addition, the ways in which social justice issues and moral dilemmas enter the series along an increasingly sophisticated gradient will be explored with regard to cognitive development and moral reasoning in children.