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3 Book Series That Shaped My Childhood

Everything I learned from the quintessential middle-grade books.

Apr 05, 2019

When I was a kid, I would read almost all day, every day. It's probably the reason I have to wear glasses, and it's definitely the reason I love to write. These are the book series I read and reread as a kid that have impacted my life.

The "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling.

"Harry Potter" has only been around a little bit longer than I have, so I was able to grow up with "Harry Potter," but I also grew up with "Harry Potter." My mom is also a hardcore fan, so I grew up reading the books and watching the movies. The Harry Potter series has been one of the few constants in my life; my situation is always changing, but "Harry Potter," for me, is eternal. I reread them as often as I can not only because it reminds me of my childhood, but also because it makes me feel at home. "Harry Potter" isn't just about cool wizards (although that's certainly a plus). It taught me many things that have stuck with me. For example, you can choose your friends, and you should choose the ones who will have your back no matter what. Now that I'm in college away from my hometown, that is something that I have to keep in mind. I have found a group of friends that I can trust with anything, even if we don't have to team up to defeat Voldemort. And thankfully, none of my professors are Umbridge.

The "A Series of Unfortunate Events" series by Lemony Snicket.

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" is one of my favorite series by far. Lemony Snicket has a way with words and managed to teach me what a lot of words meant without me knowing about it. When I was a kid, I flew through all 13 books and then read them again when I was a little older. And then when I was a few years older, I watched the Netflix adaptation (which I highly recommend). ASOUE taught me that the world operates in the grey area; that there are very few cases in which something or someone is completely one way or another. This has helped me develop multiple perspectives, so I always try to see something from all points of view before I make a judgment. Every action has a reason behind it, and I think it's incredibly important to evaluate the reason before you jump to conclusions about the person who did the action. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and you shouldn't judge a person without getting to know them.

The "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan.

I started the "Percy Jackson" series around 2nd or 3rd grade, but I continued to read and reread it well into middle and high school. Riordan used "Percy Jackson" and the allure of Greek mythology to teach several important lessons. The lesson I have kept most closely in mind is that it is important to stand up for what you believe in, even if you're scared. Fear is what reminds us that we're human, we're mortal, and our actions have consequences. But it's also important to overcome that fear in order to do what is right. Even if all of the odds are against you, you should always do the right thing. I would rather fail, knowing that I tried my best, than to never have tried at all. Moving away to college and living on campus was really scary for me, even though I am only two hours from home. I was afraid that I wouldn't make any friends and that I would spend all of my time in my dorm alone. Even though I was scared, I knew that I was making the right decision, and it would get easier over time. And it has!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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3 Book Series That Shaped My Childhood

Everything I learned from the quintessential middle-grade books.

The "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling.

The "A Series of Unfortunate Events" series by Lemony Snicket.

The "Percy Jackson" series by Rick Riordan.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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