Sounds like we had a similar experience with HP and our sons, codercpc! It was a magical, fun time for both of us and I know I’ll always treasure those times that we had together. The books are imaginative, fun, scary and relate so well the maturing of a young boy whose start in life was so very difficult ... as it was for my own son (adopted at age 5 ... rough background and would bring tears to your eyes). So for many reasons, I just love HP!
Glad you found such a delightful connection with your son as well! And yes, as a reading tool? They were great!
God Bless you for taking in your son, and making him a man. When you can take a troubled boy, and nurture and love him, there is a special place in Heaven for you.
I think, remembering back, those times reading with my son are my favorite memories. When we weren't reading HP, we would read the classics. They have "easy reader" classics out that we loved. The Time Machine, and War of The Worlds were our favorites, and without HP starting that tradition back up, I don't know if he would have gone along with it.