Harry Potter

Harry Potter



Citation: Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. A. A. Levine Books, 1998.

Plot:


An orphaned Harry is living with his awful aunt, uncle and cousin when he receives and invitation to Hogwart's, a school of witchcraft and wizardry. Harry discovers he is a wizard, and ends up in year one at the mysterious school. There is no shortage of excitement in Harry's first year, yet along with his magical mishaps, Harry also begins a journey of self-discovery. Harry, known as the boy who lived, is famous in the magical community for having survived an attack from evil wizard Voldemort (the very attack that his parents did not survive), leaving him with a lightning shaped scar on his forehead. Just as Harry is beginning to learn who he is really is, it looks as though he may have to face Voldemort once more...


Review:


I really jumped at the opportunity to re-read the Harry Potter series. It really was epic for me the first time around, and I've really never had time to re-read them. You think you have a basic understanding of the Harry plot lines, but going back helps you discover things you had forgotten long ago, as the tale is so detailed and nuanced. Also having seen the series end gives you a new perspective on where it began. I really can't say enough about the engaging, magical series and what it has done for tweens (and teens) becoming readers. I get a little misty when I see a fifth grader hauling around the giant tomes.


Reading Level: 8 (maybe, depending on the child) and up


Series Information: First installment of the Harry Potter series

Similar Titles:

 The Lightning Thief
The Lost Hero
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe