When J.K. Rowling first wrote “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” she had no idea the impact it would have on readers across the world. 

I first read the “Harry Potter series” in elementary school. I completely fell in love with the characters, Hogwarts and more. Now, as I re-read the series for the first time since fourth grade, I have picked up on things I never noticed before. 

Reading the series again, I have found a deep respect for everything the main characters go through. 

Harry, the main character, loses his parents at a very young age, is forced to move in with his abusive aunt and uncle, just to learn that he is a wizard and is to attend Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along the way he makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. To top it all off, he has to defeat one of the most powerful wizards of all time.

Ron Weasley is the youngest boy in his family and is continually stuck with hand-me downs from his older brothers. Ron is excited to go to Hogwarts because it gives him the chance to break free from his family and meet new people. Little does he know that he is going to be key to bringing down the Dark Lord. 

Finally, Hermione Granger is a muggle-born witch. This means that neither of her parents had any magical talents. However, this doesn’t stop Hermione from being top of the class or being the glue that holds “the golden trio” together. 

“Harry Potter” is classified as a children’s book series, but in reality, it is for all ages. 

The series doesn’t just focus on magic and the power of good. It has a focus on love, friendship and leadership. The series teaches lessons that even the most mature adults need to hear sometimes. 

“Harry Potter” is intimidating. The books start out small, but quickly grow to be over six hundred pages. However, they are very quick to get through and are a continual page-turner. 

Although “Harry Potter” should be read without knowing too much about it, there are a few key details that are important to know and note before reading. 

J.K. Rowling is not an author who should be praised. Her writing is beautiful and elegant, but as a person she is the very opposite. “Harry Potter” is the perfect example of understanding the difference between the artist and the art. One can be loved, while the other can be disapproved of. 

“Harry Potter” is a very character driven story. There is a very large plot component, but at the end of the day, the main focus is on how all of the characters grow and develop. Even the characters no one would expect to change might just have a change of heart by the end of the story. 

“Harry Potter” is a seven book series. The series starts when Harry is 11 years old and ends when he is 17 years old. Each book has a different problem that Harry and the gang must face before the end of the book. Each and every problem that they fix results in a larger plot that will be resolved at the end of the final novel. 

“Harry Potter” also has a sequel book. Although I don’t enjoy it, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” follows the children of the “Golden Trio” as they travel to Hogwarts for their first year. 

“Harry Potter” has many lessons throughout the seven book series. I have learned how to stand up for myself, how to get through difficult classes and, most of all, I have learned that in the end, books and cleverness mean nothing when compared to love and friendship. 

“Harry Potter” series in order

“Year One: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”

“Year Two: Harry Potter and the Chamber of  Secrets” 

“Year Three: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” 

“Year Four: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” 

“Year Five: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” 

“Year Six: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince”

“Year Seven: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”