MADRID, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, speaking in Spain, said her books are "highly moral" but she is "not preaching" to children, the BBC reported Sunday.
The writer received the Prince of Asturias Award for Concord given to those who have helped in "the struggle against injustice, poverty, disease or ignorance."
Rowling said she would be donating the $45,000 prize to a charity which promotes children's literacy.
"I certainly didn't set out to teach, or to preach, to children," Rowling said on receiving the prize.
"I wanted to depict the ambiguities of a society where bigotry, cruelty, hypocrisy and corruption are rife, the better to show how truly heroic it is, whatever your age, to fight a battle that can never be won.
"And I also wanted to reflect the fact that life can be difficult and confusing between the ages of 11 and 17, even when armed with a wand."
Rowling's books have sold more than 200 million copies and have been translated into more than 50 languages.
