Harry Potter 1
As far as top selling children’s books go, the Harry Potter series of books are in great company. From Winnie The Pooh to Disney, to Nancy Drew to Roald Dahl. Plus a myriad of books in between as well. For many years up until the mid 1990’s, some of these stories ruled the roost. Once JK Rowling’s series hit the shelves however, the children’s book charts have known no equal. From 1997 until the present day, Harry Potter has been King! With over 300 millions book sales in the first 8 years, the kids book business has never been healthier. And there is no sign that these sales will wane.
Here is a list of all the books in the correct reading order:
Harry Potter and the…
1. Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone :
As the story unfolds, Harry goes through the classic and mythic stages of a hero’s journey. First to these is a call to adventure. In the story, Harry receives the letters from Hogwarts. Second is a separation from the known world. This is seen in the part where Harry leaves for Hogwarts. Third is an initiation into the new world. This is evident in the Sorting ceremony, where Harry undergoes a placement-like ritual through the Sorting Hat. Next is the presence of threats which can be observed in Harry’s rivalry with Draco Malfoy and also his encounter with the Mirror of Erised – both of which tried Harry’s character and desires. Another is the existence of a fellowship which can be justified by the characters of Ron and Hermione. The guidance of a mentor, through Hagrid and Dumbledore, the final confrontation with darkness – Harry versus Voldemort over the stone – Afterwhich, comes a rebirth or resurrection through Harry’s victory over Voldemort and finally, the hero’s return to the old world – Harry returns to his home, but this time he knows who he really is.
2. Chamber of Secrets:
Harry Potter’s adventures continue…Harry Potter begins his second year at Hogwarts School of Wizardry, but is warned by a mysterious creature that danger awaits him at the school. Malevolent voices whisper from the walls. Soon it’s not just Harry who is worried about survival, as dreadful things begin to happen at Hogwarts.
3. Prisoner of Azkaban:
Harry’s life is in mortal danger yet again, this time more than ever. First, a killer named Sirus Black has escaped from Azkaban Prison, and it seems that he broke out just to finish what his master wanted to do 13 years ago: kill Harry Potter!. Also, for Harry’s protection, Azkaban has sent hundreds of Dementors to guard Hogwarts in an attempt to catch Black. But will they turn out to be a great help or a big mistake?
4. Goblet of Fire :
Harry’s fourth year at Hogwarts is about to start and he is enjoying the summer vacation with his friends. They get the tickets to The Quidditch World Cup Final but after the match is over, people dressed like Lord Voldemort’s ‘Death Eaters’ set a fire to all the visitors’ tents, coupled with the appearance of Voldemort’s symbol, the ‘Dark Mark’ in the sky, which causes a frenzy across the magical community. That same year, Hogwarts is hosting ‘The Triwizard Tournament‘, a magical tournament between three well-known schools of magic : Hogwarts, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The contestants have to be above the age of 17, and are chosen by a magical object called Goblet of Fire. On the night of selection, however, the Goblet spews out four names instead of the usual three, with Harry unwittingly being selected as the Fourth Champion. Since the magic cannot be reversed, Harry is forced to go with it and brave three exceedingly difficult tasks.
5. Order of the Phoenix:
After a disastrous summer with the Dursleys, including an encounter with the Dementors, Harry is shunned by friends upon returning to Hogwarts, after the return of Lord Voldemort and no one believes him. He starts his fifth year while new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Jane Umbridge refuses to teach them defensive spells while refuting Harry’s claims of the Dark Lord’s return. So Harry sets out, with Ron and Hermione, to start up the D.A, Dumbledore’s Army to battle evil forces and prepare the fellow young witches and wizards for the extraordinary journey that lies ahead…
6. Half-Blood Prince:
In the sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, and in both wizard and muggle worlds Lord Voldemort and his henchmen are increasingly active. With vacancies to fill at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore persuades Horace Slughorn, back from retirement to become the potions teacher, while Professor Snape receives long awaited news. Harry Potter, together with Dumbledore, must face treacherous tasks to defeat his evil nemesis.
7. Deathly Hallows:
Voldemort’s power is growing stronger. He now has control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, and Hermione decide to finish Dumbledore’s work and find the rest of the Horcruxes to defeat the Dark Lord. But little hope remains for them, so everything they do must go as planned.