Winner of the National Book Award (UK)
Winner of the Gold Medal Smarties Prize (UK)
Publishers Weekly Best Book of 1998
School Library Journal Best Book of 1998
Parenting Book of the Year Award 1998
New York Public Library Best Book of the Year 1998
An ALA Notable Book
FCBG (Federation of Children's Books Group) Children's Book Award 1997
Birmingham Cable Children's Book Award 1997
Young Telegraph Paperback of the Year
British Book Awards' Children's Book of the Year
Sheffield Children's Book Award
Anne Spencer Lindbergh Prize
Sorcieres Prix 1998
Premio Cento per la Letteratura Infantile 1998
Booklist Best Book of the Year 1998
Booklist Editor's Choice 1998
Whitaker's Platinum Book Award 2001

"Readers are in for a delightful romp with this award-winning debut from a British author who dances in the footsteps of P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl. There is enchantment, suspense and danger galore (as well as enough creepy creatures to satisfy the most bogeymen-loving readers, and even a magical game of soccerlike Quidditch to entertain sports fans) as Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione plumb the secrets of the forbidden third floor at Hogwarts to battle evil and unravel the mystery behind Harry's scar. Rowling leaves the door wide open for a sequel; bedazzled readers will surely clamor for one. " - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Surely the vilest household in children's literature since the family Roald Dahl created for Matilda. The delight of this book lies in the juxtaposition of the world of Muggles (ordinary humans) with the world of magic. A whole host of unique characters inhabits this world, from the absentminded Head Wizard Dumbledore to the sly and supercilious student Draco Malfoy to the loyal but not too bright Hagrid. Harry himself is the perfect confused and unassuming hero, whom trouble follows like a wizard's familiar. After reading this entrancing fantasy, readers will be convinced that they, too, could take the train to Hogwarts School, if only they could find Platform Nine and Three Quarters at the King's Cross Station." - School Library Journal, starred review

"A brilliantly imagined and beautifully written fantasy that incorporates elements of traditional British school stories without once violating the magical underpinnings of the plot. In fact, Rowling's wonderful ability to put a fantastic spin on sports, student rivalry, and eccentric faculty contributes to the humor, charm, and, well, delight of her utterly captivating story." - Booklist, starred review

"Obviously, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone should make any modern 11-year-old a very happy reader. The novel moves quickly, packs in everything from a boa constrictor that winks to a melancholy Zen-spouting centaur to an owl postal system, and ends with a scary surprise." - The Washington Post Book World

"A charming, imaginative, magical confection of a novel....a glorious debut, a book of wonderful comic pleasures and dizzying imaginative flights. There is no cause to doubt Rowling's abilities and promise, and every reason to expect great things, truly great things, from her in the future." - The Boston Globe

"A wonderful first novel....Harry is destined for greatness. Much like Roald Dahl, J.K. Rowling has a gift for keeping the emotions, fears and triumphs of her characters on a human scale, even while the supernatural is popping out all over. On the whole, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is as funny, moving and impressive as the story behind it....But like Harry Potter, [JK Rowling] had wizardry inside, and has soared beyond her modest Muggle surroundings to achieve something quite special." - The New York Times Book Review

"You don't have to be a wizard or a kid to appreciate the spell cast by Harry Potter." - USA Today