SCHOLASTIC MARKS 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF J.K. ROWLING’S
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE
THE BESTSELLING BOOK SERIES OF ALL TIME HAS SOLD
230 MILLION BOOKS IN THE U.S.
(New York, NY – February 6, 2023) September 2023 will mark twenty-five years since American readers were first introduced to the “boy who lived.” Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling was published in the U.S. in September 1998 with a 50,000 copy first printing. Seven books later, the Harry Potter series has sold 230 million copies in the U.S., 600 million worldwide, making it the bestselling book series of all time.
To kick off the 25-year milestone anniversary this year, and in time for summer reading, Scholastic will release the classic paperback editions of the first seven Harry Potter books with refreshed covers in May, followed by a new boxed set in September. Emblazoned with the iconic Harry Potter logo hand-drawn by original U.S. illustrator Mary GrandPré, sharp-eyed readers and fans will spot intricate details and “Easter eggs” in the gold foiled borders on the covers.
“The Harry Potter series has been responsible for inspiring and engaging young readers here and around the world for twenty-five years. From midnight parties to Muggle Walls, we’ve seen firsthand the excitement and the power of J.K. Rowling’s brilliant storytelling, with themes of friendship and family, all still relevant today. Here’s to the next twenty-five years of reading magic!” said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade.
In celebration of reading and to introduce the books to a new generation of readers, Scholastic is creating thousands of Harry Potter celebratory kits to be distributed in bookstores, schools, libraries, and at major festivals and conventions around the country to encourage kids to start their own reading adventure. More exciting plans for the anniversary moment will be announced later this year.
