Bibliography
Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Scholastic.
384 pages
Plot
Harry Potter is an orphan, living with his aunt and uncle Dursley. His relatives have little respect for him, leaving him to spend his time in a little room under the stairs of their house. He is expected to be neither seen nor heard in the Dursley residence. However, all that changes when a mysterious letter keeps popping up at the house. Mr. Dursley tries his utmost to keep the letters from Harry by vacationing on a remote island. Nevertheless, a large giant appears on the island informing Harry of the letter’s contents: he is a wizard. Now Harry’s life is forever changed, he is suddenly to go to Hogwarts, a school for wizards, but will he be able to fit in?
Review
Rowling’s extraordinary coming of age tale is a modern day classic. The first book in the series sets the stage for the subsequent novels, establishing Harry’s character as one who is courageous but often impetuous, but also very loyal. We also begin to meet his friends in Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger. It is Rowling’s ability to take a well known plot motif and weave an original story is what sets this book apart. She makes what could be a okay tale into a great one, introducing the reader to the wizarding world, it’s curiosities, it’s intrigue, and it’s danger. With much to like for many readers, the Harry Potter Series is a must read regardless of age.
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Level/Interest Level
This book has a wide variety of interest ages I would honestly say that it would appeal to readers in 4th grade and beyond.
Similar Content
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
Personal thoughts
I love the Harry Potter Series. I think Rowling’s prose is excellent in that it has a wide appeal to all ages, making this series one of the greatest for reading with or aloud to a child.
Librarians should note that there was a bit of a backlash about this series in that some people take offense to the witchcraft and wizardry aspects of the novel. Could be an issue with censorship.
Subjects/themes
Coming of Age
Family
Friendship
School
Witchcraft and Wizardry
Awards
Too many to count
Series information
First in a series of seven, as well as movies, book spin-offs and everything else in between.
Character names/descriptions
Harry Potter: The protagonist who just realizes he is a wizard.
Ron Weasley: Harry’s first friend at Hogwarts.
Hermoine Granger: A bit of a know-it-all who also becomes friends with Ron and Harry
Professor Dumbledore: The Headmaster at Hogwarts.
Draco Malfoy: A pureblood wizard who grows not to like Harry or his friends.
Annotation
Could you imagine if a giant interrupted your life to reveal that you are a wizard?
Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Scholastic.
384 pages
Plot
Harry Potter is an orphan, living with his aunt and uncle Dursley. His relatives have little respect for him, leaving him to spend his time in a little room under the stairs of their house. He is expected to be neither seen nor heard in the Dursley residence. However, all that changes when a mysterious letter keeps popping up at the house. Mr. Dursley tries his utmost to keep the letters from Harry by vacationing on a remote island. Nevertheless, a large giant appears on the island informing Harry of the letter’s contents: he is a wizard. Now Harry’s life is forever changed, he is suddenly to go to Hogwarts, a school for wizards, but will he be able to fit in?
Review
Rowling’s extraordinary coming of age tale is a modern day classic. The first book in the series sets the stage for the subsequent novels, establishing Harry’s character as one who is courageous but often impetuous, but also very loyal. We also begin to meet his friends in Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger. It is Rowling’s ability to take a well known plot motif and weave an original story is what sets this book apart. She makes what could be a okay tale into a great one, introducing the reader to the wizarding world, it’s curiosities, it’s intrigue, and it’s danger. With much to like for many readers, the Harry Potter Series is a must read regardless of age.
Genre
Fantasy
Reading Level/Interest Level
This book has a wide variety of interest ages I would honestly say that it would appeal to readers in 4th grade and beyond.
Similar Content
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
Personal thoughts
I love the Harry Potter Series. I think Rowling’s prose is excellent in that it has a wide appeal to all ages, making this series one of the greatest for reading with or aloud to a child.
Librarians should note that there was a bit of a backlash about this series in that some people take offense to the witchcraft and wizardry aspects of the novel. Could be an issue with censorship.
Subjects/themes
Coming of Age
Family
Friendship
School
Witchcraft and Wizardry
Awards
Too many to count
Series information
First in a series of seven, as well as movies, book spin-offs and everything else in between.
Character names/descriptions
Harry Potter: The protagonist who just realizes he is a wizard.
Ron Weasley: Harry’s first friend at Hogwarts.
Hermoine Granger: A bit of a know-it-all who also becomes friends with Ron and Harry
Professor Dumbledore: The Headmaster at Hogwarts.
Draco Malfoy: A pureblood wizard who grows not to like Harry or his friends.
Annotation
Could you imagine if a giant interrupted your life to reveal that you are a wizard?
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