Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J.K. Rowling
This book was the beginning of my obsession with the Harry Potter series. I love the authors writing style, like how she manages to describe everything so perfectly. I love the whole plot of the story, it's uniqueness and how it brings history of real life events into the book. And the twists that come along with it, it has the perfectly creative. After reading this book, you will automatically long to have powers and to be able to go to the wizarding world, but mostly you would wish you went to Hogwarts. This book helps stimulate imagination, creativity, and shows the value of friendship.
-Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 9.
Comments
Reviewed by E.P., grade 10.
Reviewed by Melody N, grade 9.
Central Library
When i first saw the Harry Potter series I didn't think I would like reading it because it would be about mythical creatures, wizards, and all that other "nonsense". But I decided to give it a try and page by page I would get addicted to reading it. The authors diction was so good that i could imagine everything in my head, it was like I had gone to a new universe. The writes plot was also so good that I felt like I was at Privet Drive or at Hogwarts. Dont judge the book because it is about wizards because once you read it you will realize it is much more.
Armand, grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Opinion: I personally liked this book a lot because as the story goes on you start to figure more and more thing about the plot and the characters themselves. The ending was great because all the pieces seemed to fit right in and all was revealed. There is a lot of foreshadowing in this book that gives you hints about what is going to eventually unfold. I especially found Harry's personality to be one that I admired because even though he was wildly popularized by his classmates, he didn't let the popularity go to his head. This book was great and I would definitely read it again and recommend it to all my friends.
Reviewed by: Arvin Ohanian, grade: 9
Glendale Central Library
I really liked Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. I enjoyed learning about Harry and all of his friends and the adventures that they had together. I also really liked the whole setting of the story, like the Dursleys home and Hogwarts. It was interesting to read about what Harry and his friends had to learn as wizards and what they would use their teachings for. The whole storyline and the plot of the book was really good and interesting in my opinion. Overall, I really liked the book and thought it was really great and would recommend reading it.
Reviewed by John N., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch
I liked this book because it had so much detail and an amazing story-line. I really liked how it incorporated a lot of magic and spells. I like how all characters and spells are unique in their own way. I recommend this book for people who like magic, adventure, and overall a great story, you would definitely like this book.
Reviewed by Kyle L., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch
It took me two years to finish the series and in these two years, I had never felt so enlightened. I loved the details and how it contradicted the thought that these books are nerdy. Once you start reading them, you won't stop. I read 200 pages without knowing it! Harry Potter was definitely one of the most enjoyable books I had ever read in my entire life and I will reread it over and over again.
Reviewed by Arthur, Grade 8
Grandview Library
I thought that this was a really fun read because it was packed with suspense and adventure. There was never a boring page in this book. These are just kids who have to deal with such dangerous situations and it's really interesting to read about. This story will always be loved by many readers across the world. If you enjoy fantasy, than you will enjoy this.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
I liked this book because it had so much detail and an amazing story-line. I really liked how it incorporated a lot of magic and spells. I like how all characters and spells are unique in their own way. I recommend this book for people who like magic, adventure, and overall a great story, you would definitely like this book.
Reviewed by Kyle L., grade 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch
This book was written by arguable one of the best authors in the world, and the wording is so perfect you feel like you're there. The experience felt by the reader in this book is something truly out of the ordinary and I strongly suggest that you give this book a read. The plot of the story is also one that compete with almost anything out there and can have a lasting effect on your mind and more. This book is amazing! everyone out there should get themselves a copy!
Reviewed by Connor, Grade 9
Montrose Library
The Sorcerer’s Stone is one of my favorite books in the Harry Potter series because it is where all the magic began! I have read this book several times and it makes me happy each time. No one really understands why I like the Harry Potter series so much, sometimes I don’t even know why I’m so attached, but there is something about this series and the way J.K Rowling portrays her characters that make the reader not get enough of it. I recommended this book to anyone that loves adventure, thriller, mystery, romance, and fantasy.
Reviewed by Artineh A., Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
The main reason why I started reading the Harry Potter series is because of all the rave about it. Another factor that contributed to my decision was that its genre is fantasy, which is one of my favorite genres. We are introduced to most of the main characters in this book, who, amazingly, are very relatable. It is quite astonishing how a person who might seem like the complete opposite of someone can be going through the exact same situation as them. For example, although Harry and his best friends are wizards and witches, they go through many of the same things as us teens, such as exams, homework, and bullies. I think that anyone with a bright imagination and a love for reading books in general would enjoy this series. I recommend that everyone give this book a try, even if it is out of their comfort zone, because it is a great book that is really fun to read.
Reviewed by R.O., Grade 10
Casa Verdugo Library
I loved this book I first read it in elementary school and is a big part of my childhood. This book is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone, it does not matter the age if you like to read or just are interested in an amazing story this is perfect. I love this book because it puts you into this whole new world where magic is real and all these amazing things happen. But it also gives you this sense of you can be special without even knowing it. When I was younger I always hoped I would be a wizard and go to Hogwarts. Obviously that is not going to happen but that is the best part about this book young and old can appreciate for different aspects of it. As a teen now I love the book for the story and the character development. But before as a kid I just thought magic and dragons were cool. I have read this book and series more times than I can count and every time I read it as I grow up I appreciate it for something new. This is my least favorite book out of all of them but it is also my favorite in a way because it introduces this amazing world and story to you.
Reviewed by J., Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
This book is one of my favorite from the series because the introduction really hooks you into the world of Harry, Potter. I would recommend this book to anyone with a lot of imagination. This book also has a big theme behind it that you can find out after you read it. Overall this book is a wonderful read and should be read by anyone that like fiction books. This book is readily available at any bookstore or any library so it isn't a hard one to find and read for yourself.
Reviewed by A.B., Grade 9
Grandview Library
Harry befriends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. They also meet an enemy, Draco Malfoy, who discriminates Ron for being poor. When they arrive at Hogwarts, the students are asked to wear a hat to decide what school house they are selected in to. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are selected into Gryffindor, the house of bravery and courage. Slytherin is considered to be where the mean and bad students go to. Hufflepuff is for nice and gentle students and Ravenclaw is for the clever and witty students. Harry gains a love for Quidditch, despite never playing it before, and Professor Minerva McGonagall sees the potential. He also gains a disliking of Professor Severus Snape, who immediately questions Harry due to his popularity as everyone knows he survived Voldemort's attack. One night, Harry and Ron stumble upon a room guarded by a three-headed dog in the forbidden area of the castle. During Halloween, a troll is found in the girls bathroom. Harry and Ron go to investigate because they know Hermione was in their. They manage to take out the troll before the teachers arrive. Harry suspects something was in that room being guarded by the dog and suspects that Snape is trying to get into it.
In his first Quidditch game, Harry gets his broom jinxed. Hermione suspects it was Snape yet again because he was muttering something and not blinking. During Christmas, Harry gets an Invisibility Cloak from an anonymous person. Harry uses this Cloak to snoop around after the students go to bed and finds the Mirror or Ersed, the mirror that shows the viewer their desires. The headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, finds Harry and says that he sees a pair of socks. Harry, however, sees his parents. A few days later, while talking to Hagrid, he accidentally slips out that the objects being kept guarded is the Sorcerer's Stone, a magical stone that gives the owner immortality. A centaur named Firenze also warns Harry that Voldemort himself is planning this heist.
The first Harry Potter book is a great opening and introduction for people not familiar with the series. It introduced most of the main characters that are going to be with us throughout all seven books. The suspense and foreshadowing are done brilliantly. As well as the plot twist towards the end. In a very rare case, even the antagonists are very likable and have deep character traits. A top 3 book in the Harry Potter series and the shortest one, to see if you are into the series or not. 9/10.
Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
This book is one of the most classic and popular stories out there. I think it’s hard to go by living your life without reading a page from a Harry Potter book, hearing about it or at least watching the movies. This book makes you feel like you’re experiencing everything with the characters of the novel. This story makes it easy to imagine what you’re reading. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone never gets old and is a book that is constantly re-read. It marks the beginning of Harry’s adventures that we get to follow throughout many years. I recommend this book to people who like fiction and fantasy books, as well as people who like books with a bit of mystery and magic.
Reviewed by AK, Grade 9
Montrose Library
The Harry Potter series was one of the first book series that had made me an avid reader. The Sorcerer Stone does a great job introducing the Wizarding world to both the protagonist and to new readers. The story is interesting and the characters are likeable. There was not much filler or anything unnecessary that dragged out the plot therefore there was never a dull moment in this book. Although I will say that this is the most light hearted book in the series as later on, the whimsical tone gradually gets darker throughout the series and the tone shift is subtle and not sudden which can turn off readers.
I recommend anyone who wants to start reading books this series. Harry Potter at first is an easy read (Sorcerer's Stone is the shortest book in the series. It can get difficult later on as there is more reading in the later books). It is not my favorite book in the series but it a great book that sets up the entire Harry Potter universe.
Reviewed by Rafi, Grade 11
I think that this book is full of childlike wonder and fantasy. It's obviously more suited towards younger children, which is when I first read this book. The protagonist has so much innocence and curiosity that is sometimes infectious, relatable, and noticeable. However, that doesn't mean that it's simply a children's book, as people of all ages have adored the first book and the rest of the series. I was a bit thrown off by the world-building, since I have so many questions. A big question I had was how magic could be so versatile and dangerous, yet there is little enforcement or law protection. Nevertheless, I felt like you could ignore a few flaws by just immersing yourself in the story.
Reviewed by Abraham, Grade 9
Montrose Library