Hillary Clinton cited a study showing young people who read the Harry Potter series are "more compassionate" toward immigrants and LGBT community members during her speech Tuesday in Chicago.
Clinton made the reference while delivering a speech at the American Library Association's annual conference, as fans of the popular book series celebrated the 20th anniversary of the first novel's release.
"Years of data suggest that reading fiction builds empathy," she said. "It helps us put ourselves in others' shoes. One study even found that young people who read the Harry Potter books, which first came out 20 years ago this week, were more compassionate toward immigrants, refugees, and members of the LGBT community."
"So it's impossible for me to overstate the impact on children who see themselves in the pages of a book and are introduced to people unlike themselves in the pages of a book, and then are inspired to dream a little bigger," she said.
J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is frequently cited by members of the "Resistance" to President Donald Trump. Clinton identifies as a member of the said "Resistance."