Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

#1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1998)
#2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (1999)
#3 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (1999)
#4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2000)
#5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2003)
#6 Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (not yet released)

Since the publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the series has become a phenomenon throughout the world. The books follow the life of a young boy who learns at age 11 that he is a wizard. He leaves his home with his wicked aunt, uncle and cousin to attend Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, with the help of his friends Hermione and Ron, and various professors, he fights a number of foes. The main focus of conflict in each book is against the elusive and evil Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry’s parents when Harry was a baby.

Rowling is a charming and often comical narrator. Harry’s emotions are described well and readers empathize with him and care for him as he defends himself from much larger and more powerful opponents. The books are very long but all have complicated plots and action that keep the pages turning. It is easy to see why children and adults alike line up when a new Harry Potter installment arrives in stores.