A strange world, a strange school, and a strange kid. Now, that's my kinda book!

Summary

In a quiet English town Harry Potter lives under the stairs at his uncle and aunt’s house. His cousin Dudley is a spoiled menace. Ignored is how Harry is treated, but deep down he knows he is special. Harry receives a letter, which has never happened to him before. However, his uncle snatches it from him before he gets a chance to look inside. His uncle’s maneuverings cannot stop the owls from delivering Harry’s important letter. On the night before Harry’s birthday his uncle uproots the family to an isolated seaside cabin in an attempt to avoid the delivery owls. Later that night Hagrid, a half-giant half-human, breaks down the door and rightly gives Harry his letter of acceptance to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hagrid also informs Harry that he is a wizard and that his uncle and aunt have been lying to him the whole time. Harry travels to Hogwarts where he finds himself a celebrity due to the evil wizard Voldemort who brutally killed his parents, but could not kill Harry. He quickly friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Once at Hogwarts Harry is sorted into Gryffindor by the Sorting Hat. He also sees all the professors of the school as well as the headmaster Professor Dumbledore. Strange occurrences begin to happen around Harry as he comes into his power. With the help of Ron and Hermione Harry unlocks some of the mysteries surrounding him and finds himself closer to Voldemort than he ever realized.

Review

The great thing about this book is its protagonist. Harry is not extraordinary at school or even in his wand abilities. In fact he is rather average, but what sets him a part is his drive and motivation to learn. He has gumption and a set of great friends. Harry may be average, but really aren’t we all pretty average? He is accessible in that regard because he has to work hard to achieve the answers and skills he wants. Harry is a character worthy of any young person’s admiration. 

Grades: 3-6

Rowling, J. K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
ISBN: 0-590-35340-3

Cover art link: I Write A lot Blog

Here's a peek at the film version of the book, but it's up to you to read the book first and then watch the film or vice versa! Enjoy . . .