Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
#1 of 7 in Harry Potter Series
What’s inside...
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first novel in the Harry Potter series and J.K. Rowling's debut novel. The plot follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who discovers his magical heritage, as he makes close friends and a few enemies in his first year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With the help of his friends, Harry faces an attempted comeback by the dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who killed Harry's parents but failed to kill Harry when he was just a year old. Harry Potter spent ten long years living with Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, an aunt and uncle whose outrageous favoritism of their perfectly awful son Dudley leads to some of the most inspired dark comedy since Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. But fortunately for Harry, he's about to be granted a scholarship to a unique boarding school called THE HOGWORTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY, where he will become a school hero at the game of Quidditch, make some wonderful friends, and, unfortunately, a few terrible enemies. For although he seems to be getting a run-of-the-mill boarding school experience, Harry Potter has a destiny that he was born to fulfill - a destiny that others would kill to keep him from.
Character compass
Harry Potter
Ron Weasley
Neville Longbottom
Hermione Granger
Albus Dumbledore
Rubeus Hagrid
Minerva McGonagall
Severus Snape
Draco Malfoy
Dudley Dursley
Vernon Dursley
Quirinus Quirrell
Petunia Dursley
Dean Thomas
Filius Flitwick
Percy Weasley
Lord Voldemort
Garrick Ollivander
George Weasley
Oliver Wood
James Potter
Seamus Finnigan
Fred Weasley
Parvati Patil
Poppy Pomfrey
Molly Weasley
Pomona Sprout
Lavender Brown
Dedalus Diggle
Lily Potter
Rolanda Hooch
Katie Bell
Discussion points
How do you think Harry felt discovering he was a wizard, and have you ever discovered something surprising about yourself?
What lessons do you think Harry learned during his first year at Hogwarts?
If you could have one magical power from the story, what would it be and why?
Which character do you relate to the most and what do you share in common with them?
How do you think teamwork helped Harry and his friends solve the mystery of the Philosopher's Stone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use comparisons to real-life situations to relate the magical elements of the story to your child's world.
Encourage your child to express which parts of the book they found most exciting or relatable, and why.
Discuss the moral dilemmas characters face to guide your child in understanding complex themes like courage and friendship.
Let your child imagine and describe their own Hogwarts experience, including houses, spells, and magical classes, to deepen their connection to the story.
Share your own thoughts and feelings about the book's events to model thoughtful engagement and encourage a two-way conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the story, Harry, Ron, and Hermione demonstrate the power of friendship as they support and protect each other through various challenges.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value their friendships and be loyal and supportive friends in their own lives, enhancing social interactions and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Harry frequently faces dangerous situations, but his courage allows him to confront fears and challenges head-on, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to be brave when encountering challenges, whether it’s standing up to a bully or trying something new, boosting their confidence and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The significance of making ethical choices
Explanation: The characters often face moral dilemmas; Harry’s decisions to prioritize what is right over what is easy highlights the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of doing the right thing, even when it's difficult, which is crucial for their moral development and character building.
Example Lesson: The consequences of prejudice
Explanation: Prejudice shown by characters like Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape provides a backdrop for understanding the negative impacts of preconceived notions.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of fairness and equality, encouraging them to form their own opinions of others based on character rather than stereotypes or biases.
Example Lesson: The power of self-sacrifice
Explanation: Characters like Harry and Hermione often sacrifice their own safety for the good of others, emphasizing the virtue of selflessness.
Real-World Application: Promotes the value of putting others' needs before one's own, teaching children empathy and compassion in their daily interactions.