Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Book 1)

Amazon.com

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. In the nonmagic human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: "We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig... and that's where the real adventure--humorous, haunting, and suspenseful--begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (Ages 8 to 13) --Karin Snelson

Amazon.com Audiobook Review

The amazing popularity of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone means that now even Muggles know about the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Whether or not you've read about Harry, this unabridged audiobook brings his world to life. Reader Jim Dale brings an excellent range of voices to the characters, from well-meaning Hermione's soft, earnest voice to Malfoy's nasal droning; from Professor McGonagall's crisp brogue to Hagrid's broad Somerset accent; and from snarling Mr. Filch to p-p-poor, st-tuttering P-Professor Quirrel. Some of the characterizations are peculiar--why do the centaurs have Welsh accents?--but that's a small price to pay to hear one of the myriad ways to sing the Hogwarts School song. Harry Potter fans of all ages--Muggle or not--will enjoy curling up with a few chocolate frogs, a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans ("Alas! Ear wax!"), and this marvelous, magical audiobook. (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --Sunny Delaney

Book Description

Read by Jim Dale
8 hours 17 minutes, 7 CDs

Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable muggle aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's a wizard, just as his parents were.

But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright.

From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.

Customer Reviews:

Makes a long drive fun!.......2007-10-02

I was going to call in sick the next day just because I felt I needed the day off, but then I received my Sorcer's Stone CDs in the mail. I decided going to work wouldn't be so bad if I could listen to someone read Harry Potter to me while I drove my 1 hour commute.

WOW! I was so caught up in the story that I didn't realize I was traveling well below the speed limit. Warning, listening to these CDs could make you late for work or cause you to get off at the wrong exit.

Jim Dale does a fabulous job of changing his voice to sound like the characters he's imitating. I was able to really get lost in the story. The hardest part was turning the car off because I wanted to hear what happened next.

A brilliant work of art, Harry Potter. Really brilliant.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - CD w/ Jim Dale.......2007-10-01

Jim Dale does an excellent job dramatizing the first book in the Harry Potter series.

finally the end.......2007-09-30

i finally got to read a book without being told the ending before i finished

Where's the substance?.......2007-09-28

There is nothing good about Harry Potter. The story is lacking in creativity in every way, there is no suspense, it is not controversial, and everything always works out.

The characters are obviously derived from racism. I do not have a problem with this. After all we are all racists, and anyone that says racism is wrong, is the one that's wrong. That said, J. K. Rowling does not use this in any way. She could have used it to create some controversy, create conflict among the characters, explain why some people are friends and some aren't or easiest of all, humor. But she doesn't, why not? The only racism she uses is Hermione being a half breed. It would have been so much better if, instead of one parent being non-magical, that parent were French.

To keep this review short, I head straight to the end with the "obstacles" which are not obstacles at all. The three headed dog (cause three heads are just so cool and scary) gets put to sleep by a flute. Oh my God she did not use a flute to do that, how many times have I seen this? Why is it always a flute when it comes to putting things to sleep, or waking things that always sleep. Where did she get this from... poke'mon? Then there's the part with the door that needs a key. Wow, a locked door, I've never thought of that before. And the key is right there in the room, they just have to pick the right one, and nothing goes wrong if they pick the wrong one. Why didn't she just put the key in the door so as not to waste paper, and turn the key too for that matter. Next comes the Chess Board. It would have been so much better for them to lose the game and then walk across the board any way just to show all the readers that love the book just how foolish they are. And all the rest of the obstacles are just as bad, but I must stop writing because thinking about this book gives me a migraine.

Harry Potter Numero Uno.......2007-09-27

A good book and a flight of fantasy. Rowling surely has an imagination! Enjoyable overall.

Average customer rating:

A New Look at Magic

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone
J.K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

ASIN: B000IEZE3G

Customer Reviews:

A New Look at Magic.......2006-10-01

When a person who has read numerous novels of fantasy and science fiction first begins to read "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" it may be difficult to align with J.K. Rowling's universe. Rather than build upon existing mythology, J.K. Rowling started from scratch and created a self-consistent universe unique from all others. The result is that some readers may initially attempt to fit their paradigms of magic, wizardry and witchcraft to Rowling's story, and become frustrated until they wipe away those paradigms. It is for this reason that children enjoy Rowling's universe so well. They have yet to acquire the preconceived notions of adults, and Harry Potter is so fun to read that they fall into the story immediately.

When Harry was a baby he encountered Voldemort, considered to be an evil wizard. Voldemort was nearly destroyed in the encounter and Harry Potter became famous, even though he was removed from the world of magic until he turned 10 years old. Unfortunately, Harry's parents did not survive the encounter and thus Harry came to live with his cruel aunt and uncle, both "muggles" who despised and denied the existence of magic.

Harry Potter is stereotypical of the classic nerd. He wears broken glasses, his clothes fit poorly, and he is put down by his aunt and uncle. Into this rather mundane and pitiless world comes a mysterious letter from a place called "Hogwart's. " Suddenly Harry realizes there is more to the world than living under the stairs, and we travel the road to knowledge and a better life with Harry because we want to BE Harry.

Harry attends the first year of seven years at Hogwart's school, and learns there is a world of magic that exists all around, but which is protected by a multitude of resources lest muggles become alarmed. Harry learns much about magic and that there are mysteries in the world of magic that affect him. Harry also begins to learn the amount of magical ability that he has inherited from his parents, and that with that power he has the ability to control the outcome of situations.

J.K. Rowling has written a book that compares favorably with other children's book. Her characters are likable and accessible, and her world is fun. There are moments of amusement and moments of fear, and children of all ages should find this book a treat. Highly recommended reading for anyone over the age of 8 years old.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter)

Average customer rating:

Great if you're pressed for time.
I swore I'd never read Harry Potter....
A book for all ages
started it all
Reddragon

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter)
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0747532745

Customer Reviews:

Great if you're pressed for time........2007-08-31

Well if you're looking at this product you're probably like me, busy and not the biggest fan of sitting down to read. I've always been a big fan of stories but I could just never find the time to read because of work and when I did I am admittedly an abysmally slow reader. After years of hearing how amazing these books, the Harry Potter series, were and loving every movie immensely it finally dawned on me to see if there was an audio book and there obviously is.

When I first started listening to the series I must admit I was a little turned off because Stephen Fray came across as a little dry and I was beginning to think the audio books weren't going to be much more tolerable than simply reading the books. As new characters are introduced though I was pleased to find that he managed to give most of them a unique personality and even more so that he maintains these personas not just through this single book but all the way to where I am now, The Half Blood Prince. Aside from just their vocal definition Fry also manages to display a diverse range of emotion for each individual character as if there is a separate actor for each character, it's really quite an amazing performance in my opinion. At certain times various audio filters are added for dramatic effect like echo and things of the sort and I guess that's really the only place this audio book comes up short for me is that there really isn't a whole lot to it other than Stephen Fry reading the books. This being my first audio book I can't really compare it to anything but I guess I was expecting at least some music between chapters or maybe some ambient sound effects but I still find the overall experience enjoyable without them.

There are probably hundreds of reviews for the books themselves so I'll keep my opinions on the series short and sweet. I believe the thing that I like most about the Harry Potter series is the overall charm of everything and the connection Rawling maintains to both the real world and real life. She really seems to nail human archetypes and the teenage inner dialogue and I can't help but think there are many pieces of her own children in this book. It showcases such an amazing insight as to the way people think and feel that I really can't help but be awe inspired. Like I said though, I'm not a big reader/listener so I imagine there are better books out there but that really doesn't take away from this series' ability to crack a smile on my face at work. I guess my only gripe is that it sometimes appears as if she has some favorite words or a limited vocabulary or perhaps people in England just find these words more common but there is an obtuse overuse of the words incredulous, glower, and one other that I will add in a couple of hours when I remember it. This obviously isn't a big deal but it can make me cringe a little.

Anyways, I work in science and listen to these all day when I don't have to read for work and I'm actually doing lab work and they have improved my enjoyment at work immensely so they come highly recommended by me. Each book is probably about 18-24 hours long off the top of my head so the whole series should take you a while to get through. I hope you enjoy!

I swore I'd never read Harry Potter...........2007-08-22

J.K. Rowling has hit the jackpot with her Harry Potter series. I put off reading them as long as I could. I tend to turn my nose up at anything that causes a mass furor, simply because I tend to be disappointed. Well, I finally read Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone shortly before the movie came out because my mom wanted to take my kids to see it.

I could NOT put this book down!!! I read it in ONE day, I was so enthralled by the story and characters. I have since read it as a bedtime story (one chapter at a time, obviously) to my two children, and they've both grown to love it.

The characters are charming and enjoyable, the descriptions are very vivid, and the fantastic world that Rowling creates is a wonderful place to visit... if only we could stay!

A book for all ages.......2007-07-24

If you see my reviews you'll see that I'm an avid reader. My little daughter bought the Harry Potter's books as they were at sale. She always wanted me to read them and I always told her that I saw the movie and those books aren't for me. I have another avid reader friend and he told me he lost a wager and that he has to read the series. I told him "lucky you". He told me to try just one book so I began to read this one...

I don't know how will be the other books but I'm sure willing to read them. The book takes you where your imagination wants to go. And that's the way to write a book either for kids or a little older than teenagers.

I gladly recommend this book for everybody.

started it all.......2007-06-06

I am going to assume that you've either: already read this book, have seen the movie, or aren't interested in HP at all, so I won't bore you with a plot summary. I will, however, tell you why it was so enjoyable and worthwhile to read again.

A lot has happened since we first met Harry "seven" Hogwarts years ago. Each year, or book, since then has gotten progressively darker, more intricate, and mature. The most recent book, Half-Blood Prince, left us saddened, anxious, a little hungry for revenge, and definitely curious of the final outcome. Book 1 is so light-hearted and fun in direct contrast to Book 6, that it is almost a completely different experience. By the end of Philosopher's Stone, we know there is evil at work in the world and there's more to Harry's past than we know about, we don't yet know how deep into that tunnel we are about to go.

It was quite amusing to revisit the characters we now know so well (Hagrid, Dumbledore, the Weasleys, Ron and Hermione), but who were new to us in Book 1. Everyone seemed that much more carefree "seven" years ago. Dumbledore especially really shows his wacky, humorous, there's-a-fine-line-between-genius-and-crazy side. Which, considering the events of Book 6, was extra nice to remember.

It may not be my favorite book in the series (I actually prefer the darker stuff, and especially love Sirius Black), but it's fun to look back on the book that started something of a literary revolution.

Reddragon.......2007-03-30

The product came quickly. It was exactly as advetised and met expectations. Thank You.

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, By J. K. Rowling, Unabridged 6 Audio Cassettes, Approx. 8 Hours, Read By Jim Dale

Average customer rating:

Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone, By J. K. Rowling, Unabridged 6 Audio Cassettes, Approx. 8 Hours, Read By Jim Dale
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Listening Library, Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

ASIN: B000JKTI3G

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Deluxe Pop-up Book

Average customer rating:

Cute for younger Potter lovers
My 3 year old Harry Potter fan....
A great book for young children.
Harry Potter - The best ficcion book!
Harry Potter Mom

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: A Deluxe Pop-up Book
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0439294827

Amazon.com

With six two-page spreads featuring the key scenes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, this Harry Potter pop-up book allows younger children to begin to experience the thrilling saga of Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts. Every page literally pops out with creative 3-D engineering in full color, while pull-tabs allow readers to bring a Quidditch game to life or help Harry see his heart's desire in the Mirror of Erised. The cartoonish art is muddy and unspectacular, but fans and collectors blinded by their enthusiasm for the boy wizard may not care a bit. (Ages 4 and older)

Customer Reviews:

Cute for younger Potter lovers.......2007-08-01

Our 4 year old tends to feel excluded from the Harry Potter fun we have with our 11 year old but this seemed to assist in bridging the gap as it was something Potter for her yet age appropriate. Cute

My 3 year old Harry Potter fan...........2003-12-29

My three year old son LOVES Harry Potter, and we have had SO much trouble finding age-appropriate merchandise for him. I was scoping the local book store and stumbled upon this book. When I brought it home he went NUTS!!! It doesn't even bother with words, and it doesn't really need them, b/c the pop ups say it all. The lack of words definitely wasn't a problem for us b/c he can't read....so overall it's a great item for small children, but you might want to look around for something more challanging for older kids.

A great book for young children........2003-07-31

I spend every evening reading to my 2 children. Although neither is school aged, both enjoy "reading" this book to me. Each takes a turn and tells about the scenes on the page. In this way they are laying the foundation for early reading. The illustrations are first rate. The pull tabs effectively illustrate cause and effect relationships. One of the best things about this book is the fact that there are no word whatsoever. The story is told by my children and their version is always right. It is helpful that everyone in the family is familiar with the story in one form or another. (movie or novels)

Harry Potter - The best ficcion book!.......2003-04-02

The book spell about a boy named Harry potter, who discover a new wolrd whem a guardian said to him tha he is a wizard. So, when the year begins, he make frinds and enemies, he learn magic stuff and how to play the famous quiddich. But he has to face his post to, because the worst wizard, Lord Voldemort wants to kill him. Tis book show the diference between the good and the evil, about friendship, confidence and love. Read it, you will like!

Harry Potter Mom.......2002-02-14

My 3 year old "loves" all things Harry Potter, especially since big brother does. Have been looking foward to something that was more on his level for him to enjoy. The book is very nice. He enjoys the pop up and action tabs. The artwork is nice. I was very disappointed that it has no words at all! A little story would have been nice. He does, however, enjoy the book and is very proud to have is "own" Harry Potter book.

Harry Potter a l'Ecole des Sorciers (French 8 compact discs Audio Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone")

Average customer rating:

Harry Potter a l'Ecole des Sorciers (French 8 compact discs Audio Edition of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone")
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: French & European Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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Harry Potter et la chambre des secrets

ASIN: 0685284522

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Selected Themes from the Motion Picture

Average customer rating:

Great Music
Lots of fun
good music but poorly made

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Selected Themes from the Motion Picture
John Williams
Manufacturer: Warner-Barham Music, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0757991300

Product Description

This folio featuring the hit music by John Williams from the new blockbuster film also includes color photos from the motion picture and more! Titles are: Diagon Alley * Family Portrait * Harry's Wondrous World * Hedwig's Theme * Hogwarts Forever * Nimbus 2000 * Quidditch * Voldemort.

Customer Reviews:

Great Music.......2005-09-16

This music is great. It's also kind of dificult. My favorite song is Harry's Wondrous World

Lots of fun.......2005-05-12

I got this mainly so I could play the theme completely in both hands, and really enjoyed it. I played piano for maybe four years or so, though I quit lessons two or three years ago, so I found it challenging to play and actually can't reach some of the chords with my left hand. It's still a lot of fun to play, though, and I recommend it to all who enjoyed the music from the movie.

good music but poorly made.......2004-05-21

I really like this book, I really do, but my complaint lies with the fact that it was very poorly made. When I got my book home to start using it, it broke along the spine, right down the middle. The second music book (for the Chamber of Secrets) was made far better. Buy this with caution; don't expect it to hold up.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Poster Book

Average customer rating:

I had to get 4 more for the grandchildren
Nice big, thick ,sturdy pages
Dollar store find
For those eager fans who can't wait for the film.
Great Posters!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Movie Poster Book
J. K. Rowling
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0439286239
Release Date: 2001-07-31

Amazon.com

For all those fans who simply can't get enough of Harry Potter and company, here is a happy solution. This full-color poster book features 15 small tear-out posters of the Muggle world's favorite wizard and his friends. Taken directly from the live-action film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (based, of course, on the book of the same title), each poster includes exciting scenes and characters from the movie, ready for display on the bedroom wall. Harry, Hermione, and Ron figure prominently, along with glimpses of Dumbledore and Hagrid. There's even a most-appealing shot of Harry, Ron, and Ron's rat, Scabbers, goofing around and gorging on Honeydukes candy. (Ages 7 to 12) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

The HARRY POTTER POSTER BOOK includes 16 high quality HARRY POTTER posters, each featuring a different beloved character or thrilling scene from HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE. Using movie stills from the upcoming Warner Bros. movie, this exciting collection brings Harry's magical adventures to life. Each page is perforated, so posters can be easily torn out and displayed. No Harry fan's home will be complete without these exciting full-color posters from the feature film everybody is talking about!

Customer Reviews:

I had to get 4 more for the grandchildren.......2005-12-11

Get extra's because this poster book is great. My whole family loved it and I had to get 4 more for the grandchildren. Beautifully done. This is destined to be a collectors item and for the price it can't be beat. I highly recommend.

Nice big, thick ,sturdy pages.......2005-12-02

in this poster book. This book has 15 pages of glossy posters with scenes from the Sorcerer's Stone movie. The posters are one sided, so you won't be hiding anything if you decide to take them out of the book and hang them on the wall. It's not overpriced, so if kids want to have a room full of Harry Potter, they can, without breaking the bank and mum and dad having heart failure because an expensive book has been pulled apart.

Dollar store find.......2004-12-14

I have found several of these at DOllar Tree stores for only $1

For those eager fans who can't wait for the film........2002-11-13

The second Harry Potter poster book brings you huge, glossy photos from the "Chamber of Secrets" film. There are posters of your favorite Harry Potter characters (castmembers dressed up in costume) and great film scenes. You can cut them out of the poster book if you'd like and hang them up but they are just as fun to look at by flipping through the book. The photos are not the same ones that you keep on seeing on every single Harry Potter site--a lot of them are rare ones that can only be found in this poster book. If you're a huge Harry Potter fan and can't wait for the "Chamber of Secrets" film to open, then this poster book is a must.

I highly recommend the "Chamber of Secrets" poster book.

Score:
100/100
A+

Great Posters!.......2002-02-21

The "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" Movie Poster Book is an excellent addition to any Harry Potter fan's collection. The posters are high quality; slighltly glossy, nicely sized, and has a clean and crisp finish to the photos. Many of the posters are collages, which I really liked because they are done in such a nice way. My entire household (that would be three younger sisters and two parents) all love Harry Potter, so of course we all ran out to get our own copies! I suggest saving this booklet (or buying two, the price is great), because it will defintely become more valuable as the years go on since Harry Potter is destined to be popular years from now!

Literature Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Grades 4-8)

Average customer rating:

Functions differently for children and adults.
I am rating the Teaching Guide, not the book!
There's more to the book, than just fun.
This Book Rules

Literature Guide: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Grades 4-8)

Manufacturer: Scholastic Professional Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Reading | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Lesson Planning | Education | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Scholastic Teaching Resources | Scholastic | By Publisher | Books
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ASIN: 0439211166

Amazon.com

The Harry Potter craze that has swept the world is all the more remarkable because Harry Potter is a profoundly complex yet terrifically realistic character whose experiences at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry span the spectrum of childhood trials and tribulations--with a magical twist. Teachers who don't take advantage of the wild popularity of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series may be missing an educational opportunity of a lifetime. With the Harry Potter Literature Guides, educators can direct students to glean even more gems of brilliance from the series. In the Sorcerer's Stone guide, for example, children are encouraged to explore literary genre, themes, vocabulary, literary connections, character development, and personal responses to the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The lightweight 18-page booklet divides the study of the book into chapter groupings (Chapters 1-6, 7-12, and 13-17), features sections on "before reading the book" and summarizing, and includes reproducible handouts. Each chapter exploration includes summary and discussion questions and cross-curricular activities (art, music, writing, drama, literature, logic, etc.). A colorful teaching poster shows a Harry Potter timeline; teachers can use the poster for still more educational challenges. Take the Harry Potter passion one step further! (Ages 8 to 11) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Includes a colorful teaching poster and engaging activities!
A complete guide to teaching Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Includes an author biography, background information, summaries, thought-provoking discussion questions, as well as creative, cross-curricular activities and reproducibles that motivate students.

Customer Reviews:

Functions differently for children and adults........2001-12-20

I'm a 20 year old college student in the United States and I read HP on a long car ride over Thankgiving. Here's my observations, for what they're worth:

Harry Potter is not popular solely because of the hype machine associated with it. Contrary to what certain elitists will tell you, the average person is not some mindless puppet to be jerked around by big corporations and advertisers. If Harry Potter was a bad book with a good publicity campaign, it would do what bad movies with good publicity campaigns do: make a ton of money initially until bad word of mouth killed it. Harry Potter is a good book--not a great book--but better than some of the "serious" literature currently popular in academic circles, destined to gether dust in the Ivory Tower's attic in ten years.

HP worked for me not so much as an adventure story but as a coming-of-age tale in what is to me (a decidedly non-American educated in public [state run] schools) a strange environment. I thought the book was at its best when it described the everyday experiences of Harry & Co., and bogged down a bit when it came time for the "adventure". I recognize that this is a children's novel, and so the adventure part of the plot must necessarily be kept simple, but an adult who reads regularly will probably find themselves wishing Rowling would have spent a little more time developing the world she's constructed before sending our hero do battle with Voldemort.

Harry Potter is not Hamlet, it's not A Tale of Two Cities, and it's not Ulysses (thank God!). It's not even Alice in Wonderland. That's fine. It's not trying to be, and nobody ever claimed it is. What it is is a neat little coming-of-age tale with a heaping dose of adventure, that just happens to be prying kids away from the TV, the Playstation, and the Internet long enough to read a book, a task our teachers, parents, librarians, academics, and most especially our politicians have thus far failed at miserably.

I am rating the Teaching Guide, not the book!.......2001-12-14

This teaching guide is very poor. It has very little reproducible material, is not suitable for higher middle level (grades 7 and 8) and gives a cursory sweep through the story adding little that I hadn't thought of myself. I hope others come out with better guides, since this one is doing me absolutely no good. Even the project ideas were dull and unimaginative. Librarians and teachers: Don't waste your money on this one!

There's more to the book, than just fun........2000-11-30

This book, though many people think so, was not written for children only. I was actually written for everybody, because there are something to find in yourself, even if you are an adult. You may have read the book and think that it is just a book for children. But you are wrong. The book is loaded with interesting views on real life. For example, in the best school for normal people, to prepare the kids for future life, kids are required to carry a stick to hit each other when the teachers are not looking. So when you read it again, considering this approach, I believe you will like it more.

This Book Rules.......2000-08-10

This book rules. It's a cool fantasy adventure. Harry flys a broom. He uses magic. The is really cool.

Average customer rating:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Manufacturer: Bloomsbury
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: B000I272PG

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