Also,
I wonder if you've read HP4, MM2s. I found HP1 charming and appropriate for very young kids, but from what I remember, as the years go by, the themes get 'more mature' and 'more scary' and 'less fun.'
My son sometimes read for 'status' - there was a big 'race' in 4th grade to see who could devour Lemony Snicket's 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' books that didn't at all seem to be appealing to my DS on their own merits, but his 'rival' in the classroom had challenged him and well...my DS has always been interested in status.
Lots of 2nd born boys work hard to keep up with big brother (my DH was like this) and I'm wondering if your son really is looking for a graceful way off the hook. If he hasn't read Eragon perhaps you can use that as a way to save face.
Best Wishes,
Grinity
