As we are already aware, Rowling has an abysmal track record concerning the representation and cultural accuracy of people and histories that are not English.

But I want to bring up two specific examples of how she seems to spend way more time and research on white English characters than characters with any other background or slight variation from what the culture she knows best.

Specifically, how the names of Newt Scamander and Cho Chang show how bad she is at researching and accurately portraying ethnicities different from her own.

First, Newt.

I have no idea how she managed to write such a good and kind character and would never put up with her transphobic BS, but with luck and good acting on Redmayne‘s part (he added a lot of depth and quirks to a character who Rowling simply described as ‘awkward’) it somehow worked out.

But anyway, his name has a really interesting history that makes it one of my favorite names of all time, very unlike Cho Chang.

For one thing, it’s obviously a pun and fits in with other names we know from the wizarding world. A name that sounds a lot like Newt Salamander is a good choice for someone who studies animals.

Newton also became accepted as a first name instead of just a surname around the decade Newt was born in (1880s-1890s), so it dates him a bit, too.

Scamander is actually a corruption of Skamandros, the name of a river in Greek mythology and the deity that lived there. The reason this suits him so well is because in addition to Skamandros having a rivalry with Achilles (the name Rowling chose for a man Newt's love interest supposedly had a fling with but was never seen in the movies), some attempts at translating the ancient name have resulted in meanings like 'awkward man' and 'left-handed man.'

While Newt switches his wand hand and suitcase hand all the time and isn't expressly left-handed, many of the posters and official pictures of him have his wand in his left hand. And of course he's a pretty awkward guy.

And on top of all that, his two middle names have great meanings too.

Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon, the wild, animals, and childbirth suits Newt really well. He even helps a creatures deliver a baby in the third movie. It's unlikely Rowling would give a male character such a 'feminine' name now, but I love the choice.

Fido means 'loyal one' in Latin, and Newt's House (Hufflepuff!) are known for their fierce loyalty. It also became a popular dog name.

Newton Artemis Fido Scamander is a perfect name for the character, the time period, and the fantasy setting.

And now to Cho Chang.

Cho isn't even a Chinese first name. Cho or Chou are first names in Japan and Korea, but not China, and Rowling either didn't bother to check or to add a simple 'she's Japanese/Korean-Chinese' to fix the mistake.

Chang is a last name in China, though other spellings are more common.

Rowling just whipped together two Chinese-sounding names, put them together, and called it good.

I think this shows just how little she cares or how bad she is at researching other cultures. It's so easy to find good information, or ask actual Chinese people for name ideas, but Cho Chang was good enough and that was that.

We can no longer deny that Rowling has, is, and will continue to harm the trans community with her hateful words and actions, including her decision to fund attacks on the rights of trans people.

While the Wizarding world has been a place of acceptance, joy and magic for so many, continuing to buy Rowling's books, movies or merchandise, watching the new TV show or participating in forums that keep the series relevant will never be worth the harm it causes to trans people who just want to live their lives in peace.

If you own books, movies, etc. that still bring you joy, we aren't telling you what you can and cannot read or watch. But for the people who want to find new media that deserve their support and that they can find new magic and comfort in, here's a list of books, movies, and TV shows that people who loved Harry Potter may enjoy.

This list will be periodically updated with recommendations from the sub and the comments bellow. Books, graphic novels, and manga are sorted by their intended audiences.

Instead of Harry Potter, try...

Children's Books

Animorphs by K. A. Applegate

Five teenage humans and their alien friend Ax gain the power to transform into any animal they touch. They use their abilities to battle stop a secret alien invasion.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S Lewis

This series of seven books takes place in the magical land of Narnia. When Lucy Pevensie discovers an entrance to Narnia in an old wardrobe, she and her siblings learn that the land has been cursed with eternal winter by the White Witch, and that they may be able to free it of her cold grasp.

Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger

Sophie can read minds. She's managed to hide it from her family and had always thought that something was wrong with her until she meets Fitz, an elf her age with the same power who shows her the Lost Cities - places where beings and creatures of myth hide from the humans of Earth. The series has many similarities with Harry Potter, such as rare magical abilities, a school of magic, mythical creatures, and a series of mysteries that Sophie must solve to uncover her origins.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians (or really anything) by Rick Riordan

Riordan's many children's series (also enjoyed by young adults) have been praised for their inclusivity of queer and neurodivergent characters. His books feature and revolve around the legends and mythologies of Ancient Greece, Rome, Scandinavia and Egypt.

Percy Jackson discovers that his ADHD and dyslexia are signs of his demigod heritage and is quickly whisked away to Camp Half-blood when monsters of Greek myths begin to track him down. There, he learns that the cabins house the children of the Greek gods, and that the myths and legends of the world are based on truth. He begins to train in order to take on the monsters Half-bloods naturally attract and is sent on adventures to find the Golden Fleece, slay ancient beings, and protect the hidden world of the demigods.

In addition, look out for Rick Riordan Presents books, other children's fiction based on world mythologies he's given his support to in order to help them gain the attention they need.

The Unwanteds by Lisa Mcmann

In The Unwanteds, a Dystopian/Fantasy, children are sorted in the dull city of Cree into Necessaries, Wanteds, and Unwanteds. Unwanted children are sent to their death for showing their individuality by way of the arts (drawing, writing, dancing, singing), all of which are banned or strictly controlled in Cree. Only, the children don't die, but are taken to the land of Artimé by Mr. Today, who teaches the children how to hone their talents and master magic, in preparation for the time their new home is discovered.

Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen

Henry is sent to Wizard's Hall to be trained to become a wizard. There, he gets a new name, causes trouble, and discovers that he is one of the students being prepared to fight the evil wizard Nettle and his Beast.

The Worst Witch series by Jill Murphy

Mildred Hubble is considered the worst student at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. Her and her two friends form a rivalry with snobby and vindictive Ethel Hallow in a series that covers one school term each book. Has a similar feel to Harry Potter books 1-3.

The Young Wizards series by Diane Duane

A series of books revolving around two protagonists, Nita and Kit, and themes of death, sacrifice, and religion.

Teens/Young Adults

The Elemental Logic series by Laurie J. Marks

The people of the realm of Shaftal struggle to understand themselves and the elemental powers their natures--or logics--give them. Many of its lead characters are female, queer, or both.

The Fangirl novel and manga series and the Simon Snow series by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl follows twin sisters Cath and Wren as they begin their freshman year of college. Most of Cath's time is spent writing fan-fiction for the in-universe fictional Simon Snow series. The novel tackles themes of 'growing out' of and finding comfort in fandoms, the challenges of sisterhood and college life and relationships, and what it means to be a 'real' writer.

Rowell then wrote Carry On Simon and Wayward Son, two novels expanding on her fictional Simon Snow series.

Fangirl was also made into a four part manga series.

The Foundling by Charlotte Bronte

In the 17-year-old author's imagined kingdom of Verdopolis, Edward Sydney discovers his real name and details of his birth after the death of his adoptive father.

Hella by David Garrold

Kyle, a neurodivergent man seen as a sort of savant among his fellow colonizers, explores the harsh environment of the planet Hella, where everything from plants to creatures to storms are absolutely huge compared to Earth's.

Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White

A Dystopian/Fantasy/Horror whose transgender lead, Benji, escapes a doomsday cult after being infected with a virus. Despite this, he's invited to join a group of rebels, so long as he controls his mutation.

Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones

Sophie Hatter spends her time keeping the family hat shop in business and trying not to worry about the recent sightings of the Wizard Howl's castle in the foothills around the city. He's said to be an evil wizard who eats the hearts of pretty girls, but Sophie isn't too worried about that. When she's transformed into an old woman by the Witch of the Waste, Sophie gets swept up into an adventure alongside an enchanted scarecrow, Calcifer the fire demon, and even Howl, who's not as bad as he's made out to be.

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

A mecha reimagining of the rise and rule of China's first and only female Emperor Wu Zetian set in the nation of Huaxia, a futuristic interpretation of Medieval China.

Lockwood & Co. by Jonathan Stroud

A supernatural thriller following Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle and George Cubbins, the operatives of a psychic detection agency, as they fight ghosts in London, England.

The Raven Tower by Ann Leckie

This book, with a similar plot to Shakespeare's Hamlet but with new themes and the presence of deities and gods, tells the story of Mawat and his plan to overthrow his usurper uncle.

Witch Hat Atelier by Kamome Shirahama

Coco has always wanted to be a witch, and when she discovers the secrets of magic, she begins a journey to fullfill her dream and restore her mother-who she accidently turned into stone-back to life.

Adults

The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison

Maia, a young man with both Elven and Goblin heritage, is suddenly thrust into the position of emperor of the Elflands and must navigate the racial and social tension around his new position of power.

Movies

The Chronicles of Narnia

Three of C.S. Lewis's seven books were made into films, all of them following the adventures of the Pevensie children in the magical land of Narnia.

Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Spirited Away

These three classics by Studio Ghibli are known for their magic, cozy feel, complex characters and fantastic storytelling.

In Howl's, Sophie Hatter is transformed into an old woman by the evil Witch of the Waste and is swept up into an adventure alongside an enchanted scarecrow, Calcifer the fire demon, and even the dreaded wizard Howl, who's not as bad as he's made out to be.

In Kiki's, the title character leaves her home in the next step of becoming a witch, but she runs into trouble when she loses her ability to fly and communicate with her cat, Jiji. She must learn to make her way in a new place with new people, delivering goods from a bakery in the meantime.

In Spirited Away, Chihiro and her family are sidetracked on their way to a new home by mysterious ruins, and her parents are transformed into pigs! She becomes trapped in a world of spirits and must find a way out in order to save them before it's too late.

K-Pop Demon Hunters

A K-Pop girl group known as Huntrix lead double lives as demon hunters. Their battle to keep the demon realm from spilling into earth leads them into opposition with the Saja Boys, a boy band whose members are secretly demons. The film's bubbly main characters and plot are driven by themes of belonging, shame, and never giving up.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.

TV Shows

Endeavour

If you enjoyed Newt Scamander or Tina Goldstein of the Fantastic Beasts series, you will likely enjoy Endeavour, a 9 season show whose lead is essentially Newt with Tina's job. E. Morse, an awkward man and inventive detective, solves crimes along with a cast of unique characters in 1960s Oxford.

His Dark Materials

A fantasy drama based on the trilogy by Philip Pullman that follows Lyra Belacqua as she searches for a missing friend and discovers a kidnapping plot related to an invisible cosmic substance called Dust. Just remember to avoid watching it on HBO.

Lockwood and Co.

In an alternate version of present-day Britain, ghosts, known as visitors, have been rising from their graves for the past 50 years. Unlike adults, children have the ability to see them, and Lucy Carlyle, a psychically gifted teenager, runs away from home in the hope of catching on at a ghost hunting agency. Running out of options, she applies for a job at a tiny outfit run by two boys in an old townhouse: Lockwood & Co.

The Owl House

An animated fantasy show that's gained wide acclaim for LGBTQ+ representation. When Luz Noceda stumbles upon a portal to the Demon Realm, she is whisked away on a journey to fulfil her dream of becoming a witch along with 'the Owl Lady' and her demon housemate, King.

When Disney announced the show would be cut short due to its style and audience being 'inconsistent with the company's brand,' creator Dana Terrace finished the show before leaving Disney and starting a new one, The Knights of Guinevere, for Glitch Productions. Her new show is more adult-oriented and is described by Glitch as a 'sci-fi psychological thriller.'

I love many of the songs from these series, but I want to make sure I’m not making Rowling money by streaming them on Spotify (or Pandora or whatever).

The amount of money artists make per play on Spotify is negligible (about $0.002 per stream) and myself and others would have to stream them many, many times over to make any significant amount of money, but does anyone know who makes the money? Would Rowling make money simply because they’re in her movies, or do the songwriters have full claim?

It wouldnt be heartbreaking to have to avoid streaming them if that’s an issue, but I’m just curious how it works and if I’m even making any impact to begin with.

If any of you guys know how this works, I’d be really grateful for your help!

My main antagonist (eventually) is a mad scientist type, and I’m curious how or if you guys have used them in your stories.

Hes the leader of a small group but wide network of baddies who want to punish non magical people for their ancestors‘ crimes (burning witches). He’s developing a spell that could change the world for the worst, and has created an army of monsters magically and scientifically bred to be the most violent and dangerous combinations of magical beasts.

His closest followers are few, each with a unique gift for something useful to him or someone with a rare form of magic.

My main character has to uncover who has connections to him and what his plan is before it’s too late.

I‘d love to tell more about his spell, but it’s a surprise and I don’t want to give it away online just in case (you guys know, you get it).

How have you handled your mad scientists?

I dont know anywhere near as much as some of you guys on physics, cosmology, biology, etc etc, but I want to be able to show people who do in my books.

I will of course research any subject I need to deep-dive into for plot reasons, but how much detail do you really need to convey a scientist, a cosmologist, a biologist, etc?

Are there any books hat do this well, explaining a job or field without getting into the details?

Can you or have you been vague with details but able to pull it off?