I know I’m probably going to get lambasted here, but I think it’s only fair (especially in light of the article I’m working on for Aug. 2) to compare and contrast my two favorite young adult series. This will probably be a long entry or a series of entries.

Ways Twilight is better than Harry Potter:

• Readers can relate much more easily to the characters. At least readers in the target audience, that is.
• This series seems as if if could really happen. Stephenie Meyer does a really good job of making all the fantastical creatures (vampires and werewolves) seem very human if it weren’t for those little glitches that make them superhuman.
• The series isn’t just one giant battle between good and evil. There are many more small battles along the way that are also good vs. evil, but they’re varied.

Ways Harry Potter is better than Twilight:

• Everything in J.K. Rowling’s world (mostly) is completely made up out of her head. Definitely a much more imaginative series on a whole.
• The relationships between the characters seem much more real. The kids get in fights, some of the characters vacillate between good and evil, they develop crushes which quickly fade.
• This is one HUGE mythology series. There’s a whole backstory to everyone, no matter how small the character, and every player has a part in the battle. The same is not true for Twilight.

Ways both Harry Potter and Twilight are good:

• Both have gotten scores and scores of children and adults to read. Anything that promotes literacy is a plus.
• Both have encouraged increases in book sales. Again, a huge plus.
• Both are incredibly compelling to read. You pick them up and, before you know it, it’s four hours later and you’ve finished a 500-page book.
• The fantastical elements of both promote a healthy imagination.

OK, my brain has turned to mush. I’ve been contemplating this entry for quite some time now, but didn’t get around to it until now and seem to have lost a lot of steam

Do you have anything to add?