Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. [New York]: Scholastic.

This first book of the series introduces readers to Harry Potter, and along with him we discover the magical world of wizards. Along the way, Harry makes new friends, discovers a hidden talent for flying, and learns about his mysterious past. Throughout the book, Harry and his friends must work together to solve the mystery hidden at Hogwarts and show courage and cleverness to overcome evil plotters out to get them.

I always enjoy rereading the Harry Potter books, and each time I pick up the book I seem to find new things to love. It is hard for me to imagine that I had a hard time reading the beginning back when I first picked up this book. I love the way J.K. Rowling weaves details into every nook and cranny of the story. It is especially true when you read the entire series and find out that a casual mention of some person or object holds the key to something important later on. I loved going back and reading this first book after viewing the last in the series movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. My passion for this series began with this book, and I preach the value of reading versus watching the movies to everyone that will listen (and even those that don’t want to listen…) I have loved sharing the series with my own children, and hope that others will enjoy Harry Potter as much as my family has over the past decade. Thank you J.K. Rowling!