Series Overview
Seven magical stories, one epic adventure.
Read on to discover how the timeless Harry Potter series starts and in what order the books should be read.
'He’ll be famous – a legend – I wouldn’t be surprised if today was known as Harry Potter Day in future – there will be books written about Harry – every child in our world will know his name!'
The Harry Potter stories start with Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid leaving a baby boy, with a tuft of jet-black hair and a curiously shaped wound on his brow, on the doorstep of number four, Privet Drive. They might have thought that his aunt and uncle would look after him kindly. But ten years later, Harry Potter sleeps in a cupboard under the stairs, and the Dursleys – Vernon, Petunia and their son Dudley – don’t exactly treat him like one of the family.
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin, leading Harry to his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, powerful secrets and a destiny he cannot avoid …
J.K. Rowling’s first novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was published in 1997. In seven extraordinary books published over ten years, Harry’s unforgettable story became a massive worldwide bestseller, breaking all records and winning the devotion of legions of fans. The novels have been translated into 80 languages, have sold over 600 million copies and continue to captivate new generations of readers.
The Harry Potter books can be bought individually, with the reading order below, or in hardback and paperback boxset.
The Harry Potter books in reading order
See more in The Harry Potter books in reading order
Series overview for younger readers
Pocket Potters
Little Guides to the Harry Potter Stories
A brand-new, gorgeously illustrated, collectable series packed with exciting story moments, quotes and fun information about much-loved characters – a brilliant way to start your Harry Potter bookshelf.
Plus, keep an eye out for more details about the next two friends joining the Pocket Potters series in August 2026 ... Hagrid and Dobby!
