Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

The Final Chapter
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectactular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

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Our Harry Potter Store features all things Harry, including books, audio CDs and cassettes, DVDs, toys and more.

Begin at the Beginning

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Hardcover Paperback

Why We Love Harry
Favourite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowling's wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favourite moments, characters, and artefacts from the first six books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill ten books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

* Harry's first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, when a boa constrictor winks at him. * When the Dursleys' house is suddenly besieged by letters for Harry from Hogwarts. Readers learn how much the Dursleys have been keeping from Harry. Rowling does a wonderful job in displaying the lengths to which Uncle Vernon will go to deny that magic exists. * Harry's first visit to Diagon Alley with Hagrid. Full of curiosities and rich with magic and marvel, Harry's first trip includes a trip to Gringotts and Ollivanders, where Harry gets his wand (holly and phoenix feather) and discovers yet another connection to He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named. This moment is the reader's first full introduction to Rowling's world of witchcraft and wizards. * Harry's experience with the Sorting Hat.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

* The de-gnoming of the Weasleys' garden. Harry discovers that even wizards have chores--gnomes must be grabbed (ignoring angry protests "Gerroff me! Gerroff me!"), swung about (to make them too dizzy to come back), and tossed out of the garden--this delightful scene highlights Rowling's clever and witty genius. * Harry's first experience with a Howler, sent to Ron by his mother. * The Duelling Club battle between Harry and Malfoy. Gilderoy Lockhart starts the Duelling Club to help students practice spells on each other, but he is not prepared for the intensity of the animosity between Harry and Draco. Since they are still young, their minibattle is innocent enough, including tickling and dancing charms.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

* Ron's attempt to use a telephone to call Harry at the Dursleys'. * Harry's first encounter with a Dementor on the train (and just about any other encounter with Dementors). Harry's brush with the Dementors is terrifying and prepares Potter fans for a darker, scarier book. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's behaviour in Professor Trelawney's Divination class. Some of the best moments in Rowling's books occur when she reminds us that the wizards-in-training at Hogwarts are, after all, just children. Clearly, even at a school of witchcraft and wizardry, classes can be boring and seem pointless to children. * The Boggart lesson in Professor Lupin's classroom. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's knock-down confrontation with Snape.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

* Hermione's disgust at the reception for the veela (Bulgarian National Team Mascots) at the Quidditch World Cup. Rowling's fourth book addresses issues about growing up--the dynamic between the boys and girls at Hogwarts starts to change. Nowhere is this more plain than the hilarious scene in which magical cheerleaders nearly convince Harry and Ron to jump from the stands to impress them. * Viktor Krum's crush on Hermione--and Ron's objection to it. * Malfoy's "Potter Stinks" badge. * Hermione's creation of S.P.E.W., the intolerant bigotry of the Death Eaters, and the danger of the Triwizard Tournament. Add in the changing dynamics between girls and boys at Hogwarts, and suddenly Rowling's fourth book has a weight and seriousness not as present in early books in the series. Candy and tickle spells are left behind as the students tackle darker, more serious issues and take on larger responsibilities, including the knowledge of illegal curses.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

* Harry's outburst to his friends at No. 12 Grimmauld Place. A combination of frustration over being kept in the dark and fear that he will be expelled fuels much of Harry's anger, and it all comes out at once, directly aimed at Ron and Hermione. Rowling perfectly portrays Harry's frustration at being too old to shirk responsibility, but too young to be accepted as part of the fight that he knows is coming. * Harry's detention with Professor Umbridge. Rowling shows her darker side, leading readers to believe that Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven for young wizards. Dolores represents a bureaucratic tyrant capable of real evil, and Harry is forced to endure their private battle of wills alone. * Harry and Cho's painfully awkward interactions. Rowling clearly remembers what it was like to be a teenager. * Harry's Occlumency lessons with Snape. * Dumbledore's confession to Harry.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

* This book is much darker than the rest. Lord Voldemort has been creating chaos in the Wizard and Muggle communities alike, the war is in full swing and the Wizarding community now lives in fear. * It is much more emotional. The story turns at the whim of a temperamental teenager from war and life-changing tragedy, to euphoria and glistening happiness.

Magic, Mystery, and Mayhem: A Conversation with J.K. Rowling

"I am an extraordinarily lucky person, doing what I love best in the world. I'm sure that I will always be a writer. It was wonderful enough just to be published. The greatest reward is the enthusiasm of the readers." --J.K. Rowling

Find out more about Harry's creator in our exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling.

Did You Know?

The Little White Horse was J.K. Rowling's favourite book as a child.

Jane Austen is Rowling's favourite author.

Roddy Doyle is Rowling's favourite living writer.

Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

A must have book, 30 Aug 2007
I love it! The children in my class love it!

It is full of literacy starters and games to get children thinking. It fits really well with the Ros Wilson 2020 / Big Writing and the Literacy Hour.

I wouldn't be without it.

A must for any teacher!, 23 Jun 2007
I have Jumpstart for over 3 years now and it has been invaluable in my Literacy planning. The games are split into sections, some are quick, others need more time - but all of the games are wonderful. My class has several firm favourites, and I have been particularly happy with the spelling games, of which many are now being played at the children's home whilst learning their spellings for the week. Jumpstart games can be applied to any year group and I would recommend it to any Teacher.

A good starting point, 03 Apr 2007
I've used a few of the activities in this book 'as they stand' and they have worked very well with my Y7-Y8 classes who are about Level 2 - Level 4.

I don't feel it is something you could refer to as an emergency 10 minutes before the lesson starts. I have to either incorporate the activities into schemes of work or refer to it the night before/morning.

Covers all range of literacy activities and is an excellent resource in that respect.

Handy for the classroom, 28 Nov 2006
This has been a great classroom tool. It is easy read and has some great ideas. Some of them you may have already thought of, but on those rainy days when your brain just isn't working, it's great to be able to flip through the pages and find an inspiring starter. Or, in some cases the inspiration for a greta lessons; there are some lovely writing workshop ideas included. Great for 7-14's. A must have for every teachers tool box.

Thoroughly Useful!, 22 Feb 2005
Suitable for upper KS2 and secondary level, this is a great collection of literacy starters and warm-up activites. Many of the activities and games could be adapted for KS1 and lower junior. Corbett covers virtually every aspect of sentence structure and language use in this gem. He is an inspiring writer and his ideas have really livened up the start of literacy lessons in my year 5 class.
Highly recommended!

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 flavour, 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 Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical 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 renowned 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 spoilt, pig-like 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.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin SnelsonSay 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 flavour, 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 Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical 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 renowned 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 spoilt, pig-like 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.

This magical, gripping, brilliant book--a future classic to be sure--will leave children clamouring for a sequel. (Ages 8-13) --Karin Snelson

Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

A must have book, 30 Aug 2007
I love it! The children in my class love it!

It is full of literacy starters and games to get children thinking. It fits really well with the Ros Wilson 2020 / Big Writing and the Literacy Hour.

I wouldn't be without it.

A must for any teacher!, 23 Jun 2007
I have Jumpstart for over 3 years now and it has been invaluable in my Literacy planning. The games are split into sections, some are quick, others need more time - but all of the games are wonderful. My class has several firm favourites, and I have been particularly happy with the spelling games, of which many are now being played at the children's home whilst learning their spellings for the week. Jumpstart games can be applied to any year group and I would recommend it to any Teacher.

A good starting point, 03 Apr 2007
I've used a few of the activities in this book 'as they stand' and they have worked very well with my Y7-Y8 classes who are about Level 2 - Level 4.

I don't feel it is something you could refer to as an emergency 10 minutes before the lesson starts. I have to either incorporate the activities into schemes of work or refer to it the night before/morning.

Covers all range of literacy activities and is an excellent resource in that respect.

Handy for the classroom, 28 Nov 2006
This has been a great classroom tool. It is easy read and has some great ideas. Some of them you may have already thought of, but on those rainy days when your brain just isn't working, it's great to be able to flip through the pages and find an inspiring starter. Or, in some cases the inspiration for a greta lessons; there are some lovely writing workshop ideas included. Great for 7-14's. A must have for every teachers tool box.

Thoroughly Useful!, 22 Feb 2005
Suitable for upper KS2 and secondary level, this is a great collection of literacy starters and warm-up activites. Many of the activities and games could be adapted for KS1 and lower junior. Corbett covers virtually every aspect of sentence structure and language use in this gem. He is an inspiring writer and his ideas have really livened up the start of literacy lessons in my year 5 class.
Highly recommended!

Sets the scene well, 19 Sep 2008
...and is undoubtably well-described, but the actual storyline wasn't quite as exciting as everyone said it would be. Still, I will be reading the next one!

From a Primary Teacher's perspective, 16 Sep 2008
The first in the collection explores a typical plot of an orphan boy who is badly treated by his uncle and auntie, and is suddenly offered a place at Hogwarts, the school for young and aspiring wizards and witches. From the moment young Harry meets Hagrid, the friendly half-giant and groundkeeper of the school, the realm of the magical and mysterious unravels before him, gradually revealing the true past of his dead parents.

Clearly the most predictable choice of all books due to the worldwide interest the series has received, few pupils nowadays would not be able to describe an event, character or plot from Harry Potter. This in itself can be used to create further interest in reading and a whole manner of cross-curricular activities.

Film adaptations have been equally as successful as the books, so there are many avenues in which the teacher can lead them into reading. Ideally this read is for Years 5 & 6, but because of the sheer level of interest it could be argued that Year 2 onwards would be keen to hear readings and therefore give them a clear goal to head towards. And as there are so many facets to the Harry Potter phenomenon as well as a deep passion expressed by many children from across the world, it wouldn't be hard to harness the interest of this book and use it to propel a particular lesson. With links to English, Maths, Science, PE, RE, PSHE and school ethics (i.e. house points and community issues), the opportunity to use Rowling's work as a springboard is endless and is therefore inescapably a must-read for any teacher.

An excellent start to a fantastic series!, 16 Aug 2008
I remember the moment back in 2001 when one of my friends thrust Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone into my hands and ordered me to read. I'd already been vaguely curious about the series before, what with all the hype surrounding Goblet of Fire, which had been released the previous year. The minute the book was put into my hands during a lunch break at college, I began to read. After that, I couldn't put it down. My form tutor rolled his eyes when he caught a glimpse of what I was reading - obviously he'd failed to be driven into all the hype surrounding Harry Potter - but I ignored his sniggering and carried on, and i'm very glad I did!

I was 17 when I started reading the books, around the same age as Harry was by the end of the series. His experiences in this book brought back all the memories of school, such as the daunting experience of the first day at secondary school, making friends, been forced to put up with teachers we hate, having enjoyable lessons with our favourite teachers and so on. That, coupled with all the magical elements of the book made it a fantastic read for me. The characters are beautifully written and the plot is wonderful. Harry's thoughts and feelings towards his new life at Hogwarts and the loss of his parents are very well written. The Mirror of Erised chapter is particularly moving.

Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the perfect read for adults and children alike. There's the magical elements for the younger readers and the memories of life at a boarding school for the older audience! (I loved the school part, even though I was only 17 when I started the series so had only just left school!).

Overall, a great start to the series. The characters are well developed and the plot is exciting, moving and enthralling. If you haven't started the Harry potter series by now then now is the time to do so!

Wow!, 01 Jul 2008
I saw the movie before I read the book and I totally regret it. But the book was amazing and I don't get how some people don't like "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." And I can't wait till I get the second in the series. (And if you've seen the movies, start reading the books now before more movies come out).

A magical book for all ages, 17 Jun 2008
I first read this enchanting novel nearly a decade ago, and throughout this time 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' has consistently lived up to its reputation as a magical, exciting work of fiction for readers of all ages. The character of Harry Potter is developed on a scale appropriate for the younger reader, although the twist-and-turn-full plot will leave any aged reader waiting for the next chapter, and indeed the next book. Recommended.

The Final Chapter
Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him.

In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectactular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited. The spellbinding, richly woven narrative, which plunges, twists and turns at a breathtaking pace, confirms the author as a mistress of storytelling, whose books will be read, reread and read again.

Visit the Harry Potter Store
Our Harry Potter Store features all things Harry, including books, audio CDs and cassettes, DVDs, toys and more.

Begin at the Beginning

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Hardcover Paperback

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Hardcover Paperback

Why We Love Harry
Favourite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowling's wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favourite moments, characters, and artefacts from the first six books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill ten books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

* Harry's first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, when a boa constrictor winks at him. * When the Dursleys' house is suddenly besieged by letters for Harry from Hogwarts. Readers learn how much the Dursleys have been keeping from Harry. Rowling does a wonderful job in displaying the lengths to which Uncle Vernon will go to deny that magic exists. * Harry's first visit to Diagon Alley with Hagrid. Full of curiosities and rich with magic and marvel, Harry's first trip includes a trip to Gringotts and Ollivanders, where Harry gets his wand (holly and phoenix feather) and discovers yet another connection to He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named. This moment is the reader's first full introduction to Rowling's world of witchcraft and wizards. * Harry's experience with the Sorting Hat.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

* The de-gnoming of the Weasleys' garden. Harry discovers that even wizards have chores--gnomes must be grabbed (ignoring angry protests "Gerroff me! Gerroff me!"), swung about (to make them too dizzy to come back), and tossed out of the garden--this delightful scene highlights Rowling's clever and witty genius. * Harry's first experience with a Howler, sent to Ron by his mother. * The Duelling Club battle between Harry and Malfoy. Gilderoy Lockhart starts the Duelling Club to help students practice spells on each other, but he is not prepared for the intensity of the animosity between Harry and Draco. Since they are still young, their minibattle is innocent enough, including tickling and dancing charms.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

* Ron's attempt to use a telephone to call Harry at the Dursleys'. * Harry's first encounter with a Dementor on the train (and just about any other encounter with Dementors). Harry's brush with the Dementors is terrifying and prepares Potter fans for a darker, scarier book. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's behaviour in Professor Trelawney's Divination class. Some of the best moments in Rowling's books occur when she reminds us that the wizards-in-training at Hogwarts are, after all, just children. Clearly, even at a school of witchcraft and wizardry, classes can be boring and seem pointless to children. * The Boggart lesson in Professor Lupin's classroom. * Harry, Ron, and Hermione's knock-down confrontation with Snape.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

* Hermione's disgust at the reception for the veela (Bulgarian National Team Mascots) at the Quidditch World Cup. Rowling's fourth book addresses issues about growing up--the dynamic between the boys and girls at Hogwarts starts to change. Nowhere is this more plain than the hilarious scene in which magical cheerleaders nearly convince Harry and Ron to jump from the stands to impress them. * Viktor Krum's crush on Hermione--and Ron's objection to it. * Malfoy's "Potter Stinks" badge. * Hermione's creation of S.P.E.W., the intolerant bigotry of the Death Eaters, and the danger of the Triwizard Tournament. Add in the changing dynamics between girls and boys at Hogwarts, and suddenly Rowling's fourth book has a weight and seriousness not as present in early books in the series. Candy and tickle spells are left behind as the students tackle darker, more serious issues and take on larger responsibilities, including the knowledge of illegal curses.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

* Harry's outburst to his friends at No. 12 Grimmauld Place. A combination of frustration over being kept in the dark and fear that he will be expelled fuels much of Harry's anger, and it all comes out at once, directly aimed at Ron and Hermione. Rowling perfectly portrays Harry's frustration at being too old to shirk responsibility, but too young to be accepted as part of the fight that he knows is coming. * Harry's detention with Professor Umbridge. Rowling shows her darker side, leading readers to believe that Hogwarts is no longer a safe haven for young wizards. Dolores represents a bureaucratic tyrant capable of real evil, and Harry is forced to endure their private battle of wills alone. * Harry and Cho's painfully awkward interactions. Rowling clearly remembers what it was like to be a teenager. * Harry's Occlumency lessons with Snape. * Dumbledore's confession to Harry.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

* This book is much darker than the rest. Lord Voldemort has been creating chaos in the Wizard and Muggle communities alike, the war is in full swing and the Wizarding community now lives in fear. * It is much more emotional. The story turns at the whim of a temperamental teenager from war and life-changing tragedy, to euphoria and glistening happiness.

Magic, Mystery, and Mayhem: A Conversation with J.K. Rowling

"I am an extraordinarily lucky person, doing what I love best in the world. I'm sure that I will always be a writer. It was wonderful enough just to be published. The greatest reward is the enthusiasm of the readers." --J.K. Rowling

Find out more about Harry's creator in our exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling.

Did You Know?

The Little White Horse was J.K. Rowling's favourite book as a child.

Jane Austen is Rowling's favourite author.

Roddy Doyle is Rowling's favourite living writer.

Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

A must have book, 30 Aug 2007
I love it! The children in my class love it!

It is full of literacy starters and games to get children thinking. It fits really well with the Ros Wilson 2020 / Big Writing and the Literacy Hour.

I wouldn't be without it.

A must for any teacher!, 23 Jun 2007
I have Jumpstart for over 3 years now and it has been invaluable in my Literacy planning. The games are split into sections, some are quick, others need more time - but all of the games are wonderful. My class has several firm favourites, and I have been particularly happy with the spelling games, of which many are now being played at the children's home whilst learning their spellings for the week. Jumpstart games can be applied to any year group and I would recommend it to any Teacher.

A good starting point, 03 Apr 2007
I've used a few of the activities in this book 'as they stand' and they have worked very well with my Y7-Y8 classes who are about Level 2 - Level 4.

I don't feel it is something you could refer to as an emergency 10 minutes before the lesson starts. I have to either incorporate the activities into schemes of work or refer to it the night before/morning.

Covers all range of literacy activities and is an excellent resource in that respect.

Handy for the classroom, 28 Nov 2006
This has been a great classroom tool. It is easy read and has some great ideas. Some of them you may have already thought of, but on those rainy days when your brain just isn't working, it's great to be able to flip through the pages and find an inspiring starter. Or, in some cases the inspiration for a greta lessons; there are some lovely writing workshop ideas included. Great for 7-14's. A must have for every teachers tool box.

Thoroughly Useful!, 22 Feb 2005
Suitable for upper KS2 and secondary level, this is a great collection of literacy starters and warm-up activites. Many of the activities and games could be adapted for KS1 and lower junior. Corbett covers virtually every aspect of sentence structure and language use in this gem. He is an inspiring writer and his ideas have really livened up the start of literacy lessons in my year 5 class.
Highly recommended!

Sets the scene well, 19 Sep 2008
...and is undoubtably well-described, but the actual storyline wasn't quite as exciting as everyone said it would be. Still, I will be reading the next one!

From a Primary Teacher's perspective, 16 Sep 2008
The first in the collection explores a typical plot of an orphan boy who is badly treated by his uncle and auntie, and is suddenly offered a place at Hogwarts, the school for young and aspiring wizards and witches. From the moment young Harry meets Hagrid, the friendly half-giant and groundkeeper of the school, the realm of the magical and mysterious unravels before him, gradually revealing the true past of his dead parents.

Clearly the most predictable choice of all books due to the worldwide interest the series has received, few pupils nowadays would not be able to describe an event, character or plot from Harry Potter. This in itself can be used to create further interest in reading and a whole manner of cross-curricular activities.

Film adaptations have been equally as successful as the books, so there are many avenues in which the teacher can lead them into reading. Ideally this read is for Years 5 & 6, but because of the sheer level of interest it could be argued that Year 2 onwards would be keen to hear readings and therefore give them a clear goal to head towards. And as there are so many facets to the Harry Potter phenomenon as well as a deep passion expressed by many children from across the world, it wouldn't be hard to harness the interest of this book and use it to propel a particular lesson. With links to English, Maths, Science, PE, RE, PSHE and school ethics (i.e. house points and community issues), the opportunity to use Rowling's work as a springboard is endless and is therefore inescapably a must-read for any teacher.

An excellent start to a fantastic series!, 16 Aug 2008
I remember the moment back in 2001 when one of my friends thrust Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone into my hands and ordered me to read. I'd already been vaguely curious about the series before, what with all the hype surrounding Goblet of Fire, which had been released the previous year. The minute the book was put into my hands during a lunch break at college, I began to read. After that, I couldn't put it down. My form tutor rolled his eyes when he caught a glimpse of what I was reading - obviously he'd failed to be driven into all the hype surrounding Harry Potter - but I ignored his sniggering and carried on, and i'm very glad I did!

I was 17 when I started reading the books, around the same age as Harry was by the end of the series. His experiences in this book brought back all the memories of school, such as the daunting experience of the first day at secondary school, making friends, been forced to put up with teachers we hate, having enjoyable lessons with our favourite teachers and so on. That, coupled with all the magical elements of the book made it a fantastic read for me. The characters are beautifully written and the plot is wonderful. Harry's thoughts and feelings towards his new life at Hogwarts and the loss of his parents are very well written. The Mirror of Erised chapter is particularly moving.

Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the perfect read for adults and children alike. There's the magical elements for the younger readers and the memories of life at a boarding school for the older audience! (I loved the school part, even though I was only 17 when I started the series so had only just left school!).

Overall, a great start to the series. The characters are well developed and the plot is exciting, moving and enthralling. If you haven't started the Harry potter series by now then now is the time to do so!

Wow!, 01 Jul 2008
I saw the movie before I read the book and I totally regret it. But the book was amazing and I don't get how some people don't like "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." And I can't wait till I get the second in the series. (And if you've seen the movies, start reading the books now before more movies come out).

A magical book for all ages, 17 Jun 2008
I first read this enchanting novel nearly a decade ago, and throughout this time 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' has consistently lived up to its reputation as a magical, exciting work of fiction for readers of all ages. The character of Harry Potter is developed on a scale appropriate for the younger reader, although the twist-and-turn-full plot will leave any aged reader waiting for the next chapter, and indeed the next book. Recommended.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

A must have book, 30 Aug 2007
I love it! The children in my class love it!

It is full of literacy starters and games to get children thinking. It fits really well with the Ros Wilson 2020 / Big Writing and the Literacy Hour.

I wouldn't be without it.

A must for any teacher!, 23 Jun 2007
I have Jumpstart for over 3 years now and it has been invaluable in my Literacy planning. The games are split into sections, some are quick, others need more time - but all of the games are wonderful. My class has several firm favourites, and I have been particularly happy with the spelling games, of which many are now being played at the children's home whilst learning their spellings for the week. Jumpstart games can be applied to any year group and I would recommend it to any Teacher.

A good starting point, 03 Apr 2007
I've used a few of the activities in this book 'as they stand' and they have worked very well with my Y7-Y8 classes who are about Level 2 - Level 4.

I don't feel it is something you could refer to as an emergency 10 minutes before the lesson starts. I have to either incorporate the activities into schemes of work or refer to it the night before/morning.

Covers all range of literacy activities and is an excellent resource in that respect.

Handy for the classroom, 28 Nov 2006
This has been a great classroom tool. It is easy read and has some great ideas. Some of them you may have already thought of, but on those rainy days when your brain just isn't working, it's great to be able to flip through the pages and find an inspiring starter. Or, in some cases the inspiration for a greta lessons; there are some lovely writing workshop ideas included. Great for 7-14's. A must have for every teachers tool box.

Thoroughly Useful!, 22 Feb 2005
Suitable for upper KS2 and secondary level, this is a great collection of literacy starters and warm-up activites. Many of the activities and games could be adapted for KS1 and lower junior. Corbett covers virtually every aspect of sentence structure and language use in this gem. He is an inspiring writer and his ideas have really livened up the start of literacy lessons in my year 5 class.
Highly recommended!

Sets the scene well, 19 Sep 2008
...and is undoubtably well-described, but the actual storyline wasn't quite as exciting as everyone said it would be. Still, I will be reading the next one!

From a Primary Teacher's perspective, 16 Sep 2008
The first in the collection explores a typical plot of an orphan boy who is badly treated by his uncle and auntie, and is suddenly offered a place at Hogwarts, the school for young and aspiring wizards and witches. From the moment young Harry meets Hagrid, the friendly half-giant and groundkeeper of the school, the realm of the magical and mysterious unravels before him, gradually revealing the true past of his dead parents.

Clearly the most predictable choice of all books due to the worldwide interest the series has received, few pupils nowadays would not be able to describe an event, character or plot from Harry Potter. This in itself can be used to create further interest in reading and a whole manner of cross-curricular activities.

Film adaptations have been equally as successful as the books, so there are many avenues in which the teacher can lead them into reading. Ideally this read is for Years 5 & 6, but because of the sheer level of interest it could be argued that Year 2 onwards would be keen to hear readings and therefore give them a clear goal to head towards. And as there are so many facets to the Harry Potter phenomenon as well as a deep passion expressed by many children from across the world, it wouldn't be hard to harness the interest of this book and use it to propel a particular lesson. With links to English, Maths, Science, PE, RE, PSHE and school ethics (i.e. house points and community issues), the opportunity to use Rowling's work as a springboard is endless and is therefore inescapably a must-read for any teacher.

An excellent start to a fantastic series!, 16 Aug 2008
I remember the moment back in 2001 when one of my friends thrust Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone into my hands and ordered me to read. I'd already been vaguely curious about the series before, what with all the hype surrounding Goblet of Fire, which had been released the previous year. The minute the book was put into my hands during a lunch break at college, I began to read. After that, I couldn't put it down. My form tutor rolled his eyes when he caught a glimpse of what I was reading - obviously he'd failed to be driven into all the hype surrounding Harry Potter - but I ignored his sniggering and carried on, and i'm very glad I did!

I was 17 when I started reading the books, around the same age as Harry was by the end of the series. His experiences in this book brought back all the memories of school, such as the daunting experience of the first day at secondary school, making friends, been forced to put up with teachers we hate, having enjoyable lessons with our favourite teachers and so on. That, coupled with all the magical elements of the book made it a fantastic read for me. The characters are beautifully written and the plot is wonderful. Harry's thoughts and feelings towards his new life at Hogwarts and the loss of his parents are very well written. The Mirror of Erised chapter is particularly moving.

Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the perfect read for adults and children alike. There's the magical elements for the younger readers and the memories of life at a boarding school for the older audience! (I loved the school part, even though I was only 17 when I started the series so had only just left school!).

Overall, a great start to the series. The characters are well developed and the plot is exciting, moving and enthralling. If you haven't started the Harry potter series by now then now is the time to do so!

Wow!, 01 Jul 2008
I saw the movie before I read the book and I totally regret it. But the book was amazing and I don't get how some people don't like "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." And I can't wait till I get the second in the series. (And if you've seen the movies, start reading the books now before more movies come out).

A magical book for all ages, 17 Jun 2008
I first read this enchanting novel nearly a decade ago, and throughout this time 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' has consistently lived up to its reputation as a magical, exciting work of fiction for readers of all ages. The character of Harry Potter is developed on a scale appropriate for the younger reader, although the twist-and-turn-full plot will leave any aged reader waiting for the next chapter, and indeed the next book. Recommended.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

Top Bananas, 06 May 2008
this is just he cutest gift for budding little dress designers - and the not so little ones too. I bought this for my goddaughter recently and had to buy another one for myself! it is a delight - perfect for handmade cards etc - hours of fun.

Excellent Value, 28 Apr 2008
I bought this for my 8 and 10 year old girls to take away with us on holiday in case it rained (in the Lake District!). They were addicted to it and it kept them happy for hours. In fact we had to drag them away from it half the time. I'd really recommend it for any girls who are the slightest bit creative. They can get on with creating fashions without any adult help at all. You just need to have lots of suitable exclamations of delight when presented with their numerous designs!

Paper fashions, 15 Mar 2008
We had to wait a long time for it to come into stock but it was definately worth it. There are lots of different paper designs and the mini hangers are really cute! There are 83 stencils to use and also plenty of ribbon and beads.

fashion fun for all ages, 27 Dec 2007
I ordered this for my eight year old daughter after seeing it on Amazon at such a good price. We have both had great fun designing outfits together and she has kept a fancy scrap book of her designs. With the book and just a pair of scissors you can have hours of fun. I would recommend it for all fashion loving girls from eight years upwards. It is truly creative and older girls could make very stylish cards etc.
I think it is book we will return to again and again, there are plenty of supplies to make hundreds of designs.

Great Book - Highly recommended, 10 Oct 2007
I bought this for my 14 year old but my 10 year old intercepted! We've had it for a few months now and she still plays with it most days. The book is brilliant, lots of templates and really cool (material) paper and accessories like tiny beads, thread etc. Even pretend lace! What's really good is that it produces very good results, even from children with no help from adults. Highly recommended - and I paid a lot more than the price on Amazon in a book shop.

Good book., 03 Oct 2008
Another great book by JW, I got this the day it came out, and read it in two days. Very addicting and quite sad at times! Although some of the chracters seem like some in other books, I noticed there were some spelling mistakes too, but otherwise, good book and worth the read.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

A must have book, 30 Aug 2007
I love it! The children in my class love it!

It is full of literacy starters and games to get children thinking. It fits really well with the Ros Wilson 2020 / Big Writing and the Literacy Hour.

I wouldn't be without it.

A must for any teacher!, 23 Jun 2007
I have Jumpstart for over 3 years now and it has been invaluable in my Literacy planning. The games are split into sections, some are quick, others need more time - but all of the games are wonderful. My class has several firm favourites, and I have been particularly happy with the spelling games, of which many are now being played at the children's home whilst learning their spellings for the week. Jumpstart games can be applied to any year group and I would recommend it to any Teacher.

A good starting point, 03 Apr 2007
I've used a few of the activities in this book 'as they stand' and they have worked very well with my Y7-Y8 classes who are about Level 2 - Level 4.

I don't feel it is something you could refer to as an emergency 10 minutes before the lesson starts. I have to either incorporate the activities into schemes of work or refer to it the night before/morning.

Covers all range of literacy activities and is an excellent resource in that respect.

Handy for the classroom, 28 Nov 2006
This has been a great classroom tool. It is easy read and has some great ideas. Some of them you may have already thought of, but on those rainy days when your brain just isn't working, it's great to be able to flip through the pages and find an inspiring starter. Or, in some cases the inspiration for a greta lessons; there are some lovely writing workshop ideas included. Great for 7-14's. A must have for every teachers tool box.

Thoroughly Useful!, 22 Feb 2005
Suitable for upper KS2 and secondary level, this is a great collection of literacy starters and warm-up activites. Many of the activities and games could be adapted for KS1 and lower junior. Corbett covers virtually every aspect of sentence structure and language use in this gem. He is an inspiring writer and his ideas have really livened up the start of literacy lessons in my year 5 class.
Highly recommended!

Sets the scene well, 19 Sep 2008
...and is undoubtably well-described, but the actual storyline wasn't quite as exciting as everyone said it would be. Still, I will be reading the next one!

From a Primary Teacher's perspective, 16 Sep 2008
The first in the collection explores a typical plot of an orphan boy who is badly treated by his uncle and auntie, and is suddenly offered a place at Hogwarts, the school for young and aspiring wizards and witches. From the moment young Harry meets Hagrid, the friendly half-giant and groundkeeper of the school, the realm of the magical and mysterious unravels before him, gradually revealing the true past of his dead parents.

Clearly the most predictable choice of all books due to the worldwide interest the series has received, few pupils nowadays would not be able to describe an event, character or plot from Harry Potter. This in itself can be used to create further interest in reading and a whole manner of cross-curricular activities.

Film adaptations have been equally as successful as the books, so there are many avenues in which the teacher can lead them into reading. Ideally this read is for Years 5 & 6, but because of the sheer level of interest it could be argued that Year 2 onwards would be keen to hear readings and therefore give them a clear goal to head towards. And as there are so many facets to the Harry Potter phenomenon as well as a deep passion expressed by many children from across the world, it wouldn't be hard to harness the interest of this book and use it to propel a particular lesson. With links to English, Maths, Science, PE, RE, PSHE and school ethics (i.e. house points and community issues), the opportunity to use Rowling's work as a springboard is endless and is therefore inescapably a must-read for any teacher.

An excellent start to a fantastic series!, 16 Aug 2008
I remember the moment back in 2001 when one of my friends thrust Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone into my hands and ordered me to read. I'd already been vaguely curious about the series before, what with all the hype surrounding Goblet of Fire, which had been released the previous year. The minute the book was put into my hands during a lunch break at college, I began to read. After that, I couldn't put it down. My form tutor rolled his eyes when he caught a glimpse of what I was reading - obviously he'd failed to be driven into all the hype surrounding Harry Potter - but I ignored his sniggering and carried on, and i'm very glad I did!

I was 17 when I started reading the books, around the same age as Harry was by the end of the series. His experiences in this book brought back all the memories of school, such as the daunting experience of the first day at secondary school, making friends, been forced to put up with teachers we hate, having enjoyable lessons with our favourite teachers and so on. That, coupled with all the magical elements of the book made it a fantastic read for me. The characters are beautifully written and the plot is wonderful. Harry's thoughts and feelings towards his new life at Hogwarts and the loss of his parents are very well written. The Mirror of Erised chapter is particularly moving.

Harry potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the perfect read for adults and children alike. There's the magical elements for the younger readers and the memories of life at a boarding school for the older audience! (I loved the school part, even though I was only 17 when I started the series so had only just left school!).

Overall, a great start to the series. The characters are well developed and the plot is exciting, moving and enthralling. If you haven't started the Harry potter series by now then now is the time to do so!

Wow!, 01 Jul 2008
I saw the movie before I read the book and I totally regret it. But the book was amazing and I don't get how some people don't like "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." And I can't wait till I get the second in the series. (And if you've seen the movies, start reading the books now before more movies come out).

A magical book for all ages, 17 Jun 2008
I first read this enchanting novel nearly a decade ago, and throughout this time 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' has consistently lived up to its reputation as a magical, exciting work of fiction for readers of all ages. The character of Harry Potter is developed on a scale appropriate for the younger reader, although the twist-and-turn-full plot will leave any aged reader waiting for the next chapter, and indeed the next book. Recommended.

Brill but a let down, 07 Oct 2008
Don't get me wrong this was a brillaint book but it was a let down at the end. Myself and my fiance thought it would of had a better ending to the series that it had I was "eh why is it ended here that's stupid" she could of left us all hanging on and then released a new book saying all that and going into a bit more detailk than she did after all that would of kept everyone on the edge of their seats and she would of been able to rethink the ending because some of the ending could have been forseen much earlier in the series as myself and my fiance had guessed most of it was going to happen.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, 17 Sep 2008
Like children, parents and grandparents, all over the world, I am a cult member. Harry Potter's final saga " Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" had been set upon the world. I dare say that few would be disappointed. Harry's final adventure is a remarkable journey into the world of fantasy. The wedding of Fleur and Bill as it ends in chaos. The escape of our trio from the death eaters and that is only the beginning. The many subsequent adventures, ending with the final battle at Hogwarts and the defeat of Voldamort by Harry. An adventure froth with danger, fears, laughter, doubts and narrow excapes will have its readers on the edge of their seat. I was!

Not convinced, Sorry, 10 Sep 2008
i have read the first 5 over and over again, i now know them off by heart.
I thought no.6 was ok. it got me through a very boring time.
so when No.7 came out and it was to be the last one i was very excited. Great, i thought, a big ending, lots of unknowns, climaxes... but i did wonder how she would write it all...
So when it was released at midnight down at my local ASDA Store, i was there, in the que, waiting, my mother had to come too as i would not go alone( i am only 16 but my A level english group agree with me on the fact that we only read it to see how it ended) i got home and started it. i stayed up till 4.00 in the morning to finnish it but was rather dissapointed.
it was average all the way through, by the ending chapters you basically knew exactly what she had written and i was (sadley) bored.
it lacked that... spark all the others had. maybe it was too much pressure from the publishers and fans but i realise now, i actually only wanted to read it so that i could find out the ending and who died.
I admit, i was dissapionted. She should have stopped at 5.
I do hope though that she writes other books but it may be difficult for her to top Potter.

Classical Great, 05 Sep 2008
Despite my age (not given ;-)) I have been a Harry Potter fan, why..? Because Rowling gives back your childhood. She puts you back 'there' as if it were yesterday and makes you draw breath at the adventures she creates. It almost makes you envious that you didn't have the opportunity to be at Hogwarts, that your school was naff compared to it. Yes, I suffered the torment of teachers, detentions, lines and being hit across the head with books, which makes her series so real. Harry is a plausable character, we all knew someone like Harry, just no magicians, or so we think! Rowling's imagination deserves the credit it receives, and I for one will continue to read whatever she writes. Fantastic, classic, the children's Austin.

(sobs!), 05 Sep 2008
It's probably the weakest of the set. But it's still a worthy end to the series that defined an era! I found myself wishing they were back at Hogwarts for most of it.

Top Bananas, 06 May 2008
this is just he cutest gift for budding little dress designers - and the not so little ones too. I bought this for my goddaughter recently and had to buy another one for myself! it is a delight - perfect for handmade cards etc - hours of fun.

Excellent Value, 28 Apr 2008
I bought this for my 8 and 10 year old girls to take away with us on holiday in case it rained (in the Lake District!). They were addicted to it and it kept them happy for hours. In fact we had to drag them away from it half the time. I'd really recommend it for any girls who are the slightest bit creative. They can get on with creating fashions without any adult help at all. You just need to have lots of suitable exclamations of delight when presented with their numerous designs!

Paper fashions, 15 Mar 2008
We had to wait a long time for it to come into stock but it was definately worth it. There are lots of different paper designs and the mini hangers are really cute! There are 83 stencils to use and also plenty of ribbon and beads.

fashion fun for all ages, 27 Dec 2007
I ordered this for my eight year old daughter after seeing it on Amazon at such a good price. We have both had great fun designing outfits together and she has kept a fancy scrap book of her designs. With the book and just a pair of scissors you can have hours of fun. I would recommend it for all fashion loving girls from eight years upwards. It is truly creative and older girls could make very stylish cards etc.
I think it is book we will return to again and again, there are plenty of supplies to make hundreds of designs.

Great Book - Highly recommended, 10 Oct 2007
I bought this for my 14 year old but my 10 year old intercepted! We've had it for a few months now and she still plays with it most days. The book is brilliant, lots of templates and really cool (material) paper and accessories like tiny beads, thread etc. Even pretend lace! What's really good is that it produces very good results, even from children with no help from adults. Highly recommended - and I paid a lot more than the price on Amazon in a book shop.

Not what I was expecting, 26 Sep 2008
Anyone who thought that Frankenstein was the tall, slow, bolt-headed monster from the films will be very surprised by this gothic/horror story.
But, hopefully, like me, you will be pleasantly surprised. The story is about a young scientist named Frankenstein who becomes interested in creating life. He attempts to make a man out of acquired body parts. The result is a large, disfigured man. This "monster" is actually a sensitive and real human being. It is only after rejection by his creator that he starts to become more of a monster figure. 'Am I to be thought the only criminal, when all human kind sinned against me? I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned, and kicked, and trampled on.' This is the thought process that comes from rejection leads to the monstrous image. Although, I will not elaborate on this as it would spoil the story.
However, I will say that the key ideas in the book are definitely to do with how much power man should have and the problems caused by man's egotistical nature. If you do decide to read this book I am sure you will find that it is far more than a gothic tale or a horror story. It is infact more again to a heartbreaking tragedy.


False Advertising by Penguin?, 22 Aug 2008
Don't make the same mistake as me, and think the book shown in the 'Search Inside' facility is the book you get. It turns out this shows a more expensive penguin edition, the rather scruffy one I got didn't h