The Harry Potter craze that has swept the world is all the more remarkable because Harry Potter is a profoundly complex yet terrifically realistic character whose experiences at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry span the spectrum of childhood trials and tribulations--with a magical twist. Teachers who don't take advantage of the wild popularity of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series may be missing an educational opportunity of a lifetime. With the Harry Potter Literature Guides, educators can direct students to glean even more gems of brilliance from the series. In the Sorcerer's Stone guide, for example, children are encouraged to explore literary genre, themes, vocabulary, literary connections, character development, and personal responses to the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The lightweight 18-page booklet divides the study of the book into chapter groupings (Chapters 1-6, 7-12, and 13-17), features sections on "before reading the book" and summarizing, and includes reproducible handouts. Each chapter exploration includes summary and discussion questions and cross-curricular activities (art, music, writing, drama, literature, logic, etc.). A colorful teaching poster shows a Harry Potter timeline; teachers can use the poster for still more educational challenges. Take the Harry Potter passion one step further!
--Emilie Coulter