Harry Potter 'encourages children to cheat and steal'

A librarian wants Harry Potter books banned from Pennsylvania schools.

He claims they encourage children to cheat, steal and lie.

Ken McCormick also wants Chester County school board to order staff not to bring the books to work.

Several school districts across the US have already banned the books from their school curriculum.

Mr McCormick said: "These books are telling children over and over again that lying, cheating and stealing are not only acceptable, but that they're cool and cute."

He points to one passage from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where the schoolboy is put in a position where he must lie or lose his life.

Chester County education superintendent Terrance Furin says many teachers and parents think the books by JK Rowling are fantastic.