From The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe to Lord of the Rings, fantasy has been a popular subject in writing for years. But when Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone came out in 1997, the genre gained an even bigger audience than before. Read by both children and adults, it went on to become one of the most successful book franchises ever. There are now seven books in the series, but the first is one of the most memorable. Is this because it was such a breakthrough in fantasy reading, or just because it's better than the rest? It's a tough question to answer, but either way, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a fantastic book.

==The Author==

Joanne Rowling, or J.K Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. She started writing fantasy stories as a child, including one about a Rabbit, simply called Rabbit. The idea of Harry Potter entered her mind one day in 1990. However, she struggled with life before writing and publishing the book. Her mother died near the end of 1990. After getting married and having a child, she was diagnosed with clinical depression. She continued to write her book in cafés. She finally published it in 1997.

==Design==

In my opinion, a book will sell well if the cover is vibrant and bold. You can use these two words to describe the cover design of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It shows a brown-haired boy with glasses - Harry Potter - standing on the platform by a train, looking shocked and surprised. Steam filled with gold stars is coming out of the train. On the back of the cover, there is a tall man with a long, silver beard. He is wearing a purple robe, with several layers colourful layers underneath. The cover is illustrated by Thomas Taylor.

==Plot==

Harry Potter thinks he is a normal boy. His parents supposedly died in a car crash so he lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin who treat him badly but he learns to get on with life. But he is shocked when a huge man named Hagrid breaks into his house, telling him that he learns that he is a wizard and that a powerful wizard called Voldemort killed his parents. Harry is enrolled into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He learns to perform spells and play the popular Wizarding sport, Quidditch. He becomes friends with two kids called Ron and Hermione. The three discover that a teacher is attempted to use the Philosopher's Stone, an object that has the power to make one immortal. It is hidden underneath the school. Meanwhile, they battle ugly trolls and explore deadly forests.

==Characters==

Harry Potter is the main character in the book. Before going to Hogwarts, he did strange things without knowing how or why. His Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Dudley bully him constantly. Harry is worried about being worst in his class, as he never attempted magic before Hogwarts. He luckily turns out to be one of the best students in his year and becomes part of the Quidditch team.

Harry meets Ron Weasley on the train to Hogwarts. His family is known for their red hair. They don't have much money, either. He helps Harry stop the teacher from getting the Philosopher's Stone. He is a big fan of Quidditch and chess. He attempts to be as successful in school as three of his brothers, but is doubtful about this.

Hermione Granger is the daughter of two Muggles (non-wizards). She memorised all of her textbooks before arriving at Hogwarts and is obsessed with studying. Hermione tries to stay out of trouble, but hanging around with Harry and Ron always gets her into it instead. She isn't a friend with the other two boys at first until after an incident with a troll.

==Verdict==

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is one of the best fantasy books I have read. Every page is gripping, forcing you onto the next page. There aren't many long and complex words so children can read it easily, yet adults can enjoy it too. It's an excellent book and at about £5, it's an essential read.

==List of Awards==

1997 Nestle Smarties Book Prize Gold Medal 9-11 Years
FCBG Children's Book Award 1997 Overall Winner / Longer Novel winner
Birmingham Cable Children's Book Award 1997
British Book Awards 1997 Children's Book of the Year
Young Telegraph Paperback of the Year 1998
Sheffield Children's Book Award 1998
Whitaker's Platinum Book Award 2001

==Info==

Author: J.K Rowling
Cover illustrator: Thomas Taylor
Pages: 223
Sales: Over 130 Million
US Name: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The book has also been adapted into a film featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. There is also a game that was released alongside the film.

Thanks for reading! I have also posted this review on Ciao, under the name YoshiCheesePuff.