In the early 2000s, the Harry Potter book series, written by British author J.K. Rowling, became a cultural phenomenon, captivating readers of all ages with its story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and goes on to attend a magical school. However, with this immense popularity came controversy, and some individuals took it upon themselves to burn the books in protest.

The first recorded incident of book burning occurred in 2001, when a group of religious leaders in Alamogordo, New Mexico, publicly burned copies of the books, claiming that they promoted witchcraft and the occult. This act of protest was widely condemned by both the general public and religious leaders who did not support the book burning.

Other incidents of book burning followed in the years to come, with many religious groups citing the books' themes of witchcraft and magic as being antithetical to their beliefs. In 2002, a pastor in Cedarville, Arkansas, burned copies of the books during a church service, while in 2003, a church in Charleston, South Carolina, organized a book burning event, with participants encouraged to bring their copies of the Harry Potter books to be destroyed.

The backlash against the books was not limited to religious groups, however. Some parents and educators also expressed concern about the content of the books, with some claiming that they were too dark and violent for young readers. In 2006, a school district in Gwinnett County, Georgia, banned the books from its library, citing concerns over the portrayal of witchcraft and wizardry.

Despite these controversies, the Harry Potter books continued to enjoy immense popularity, with millions of copies sold worldwide and a successful film franchise. Many literary critics praised the books for their complex characters, imaginative world-building, and themes of love, friendship, and the power of imagination.

The book burnings of the early 2000s, while controversial, ultimately had little impact on the books' popularity or the larger cultural phenomenon surrounding them. In fact, they may have even contributed to the books' enduring legacy, as they served as a reminder of the power of literature to provoke strong emotions and ignite debate.

Today, the Harry Potter books remain beloved by readers of all ages, and their impact on popular culture is undeniable. The controversy surrounding the books in the early 2000s serves as a reminder of the importance of free expression and the power of literature to inspire both love and hate, passion and controversy.