Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The first book about a boy who learns he is a wizard and starts at a school of magic.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a fantasy novel by J.K. Rowling, first published in 1997. It is number 1 in our list of the best children’s books of all time. The first book about a boy who learns he is a wizard and starts at a school of magic.
What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone about?
Harry Potter is an orphan living with relatives who do not like him, until a letter arrives to tell him he is a wizard. He goes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he makes his first friends and finds that a great danger is hidden inside the school.
It was first published in 1997 by Bloomsbury and is the first of seven main books. In the United States it was published as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Book details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | J.K. Rowling |
| First published | 1997 |
| Type | Fantasy novel |
| Age guide | 8 and up (a good read-aloud for younger children) |
| Series | Harry Potter |
Why children enjoy Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
- A clear mix of friendship, mystery and humour that keeps children turning pages.
- A school setting that feels instantly familiar, with magic added.
- Short chapters that suit a chapter-a-night routine.
Reading and talking tips
- Ask: what would you want to do on your first day at a school of magic?
- Pause before each chapter ends and ask for a guess about what happens next.
- Read the first few chapters aloud, then let your child take over if they want to.
About J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling was born in 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England. She wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, first published by Bloomsbury in 1997, as the first of seven main books about the boy wizard.
Read more on our J.K. Rowling author page.
If your child likes this, try…
See all 20 in our best children’s books of all time.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for?
It is usually recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger children often enjoy it read aloud, and the later books in the series become darker.
Is it the same book as the Sorcerer’s Stone?
Yes. Sorcerer’s Stone is the title used for the US edition.
Where can I borrow Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?
Most public libraries stock it. See our guide to children’s books and your local library.