20) Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorceres Stone. Scholastic, 1997. 309 pages. ISBN: 0-590-35342-X.

Subject/Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Adventure, Magic, Self-Sacrifice

Ages: 9 and up

Plot: A young boy named Harry Potter lives with the Dursley's: his uncle, aunt, and cousin, because his parents died. He is mistreated by his relatives, even so much so, that his room is a small closet underneath the staircase. One day a bunch of letters arrive for Harry Potter instructing him to attend the Hogwarts School of Wizardy. His aunt and uncle try to keep it a secret, but eventually the giant, named Hagrid, threatens to use magic unless they let him go. Hagrid helps Harry catch the train to Hogwarts school. At the train station, Harry befriends Ron Weasley, and on the train he befriends Hermonie Granger. They become instant friends. When Harry enters the wizard world he learns that he is a famous wizard who defeated the darkest lord "Voldmort". Harry also learns that the scar on his forehead is related to the death of his father and mother. Then, a mystery arrives at Hogwarts: someone has stolen the Sorcerer's Stone. This is important jewel because it can bring someone back to life. Clues are delibratly left out so that Harry and his friends find them. Harry learns his family history as he Ron, and Hermonie struggle to identify the clues leading to the Sorcerer's Stone. With help from Hermonie--the smartest of the three--they each solve the clues, Harry finds the Sorcerer's Stone and comes face-to-face with Lord Voldmort. Lord Volmort is alive, and he wants to kill Harry Potter. This concludes book one of the Harry Potter series. 

Review: This book is imaginative and pulls from classical themes any myths to piece together the magic world. Tweens will enjoy the magical elements and creatures: centaurs, dragons, flying brooms, magic wands, etc., The story is full of positive messages about friendship and self-identity. Harry Potter is destined for Slytherin, but he does not want to be part of the dark magic. He does not let his identity dictate who he will become. This is when the sorting hat sends Harry to Gryphendor, instead of Slytherin.  Harry's friends are perfect role models, because they are dedicated friends. After breaking the rules and almost sacrificing their lives, they are rewarded for their bravery.  Tweens will be kept in suspense as they follow the threesome in their adventures. In almost every adventure, there is a near-death experience, such as the three-headed dog, forbidden forest, large crushing plant, flying keys, and life-size chess board.   


Awards: New York Bestseller
1997 National Book Award
ALA Notable book
1997 Gold Medal Smarties Prize
Parenting Book of the Year


Book-a-like: The Lightning Theif