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.
In addition to the paperback anniversary editions releasing in May, highlights of upcoming publishing include:
- The Official Harry Potter Cookbook (September 5, 2023): Create delicious recipes inspired by the Wizarding World in this companion to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Official Harry Potter Baking Book. Packed with full-color photography and over 40 recipes — both savory and sweet — including snacks, desserts, drinks, and meals fit for a Hogwarts feast. Featuring cooking tips and advice for the youngest aspiring chefs, including recipes with step-by-step instructions that are easy for kids to follow, this is the perfect book for any beginning cook and Harry Potter fan.
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (MinaLima Edition) (October 3, 2023): The third book in the Harry Potter series, featuring over 175 full-color illustrations and eight exclusive interactive elements: Readers will explore the Knight Bus, reveal the Grim in a teacup, spin the Time-Turner, and more. Designed and illustrated by MinaLima, the award-winning studio behind the graphic style of the Harry Potter films, this keepsake edition is the perfect gift for Harry Potter fans of all ages and an enchanting way to share this beloved series with a new generation of readers.
About Harry Potter:
The Harry Potter series has sold over 600 million copies worldwide in 85 languages, been listened to as audiobooks for over one billion hours, and been made into eight blockbuster films. The seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, sold 8.3 million copies in the first 24 hours in the U.S. breaking all publishing records (set by previously published Harry Potter titles). For more information about the Harry Potter book series, visit Mediaroom.scholastic.com/harrypotter.
J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular Harry Potter series. After the idea came to her on a delayed train journey in 1990, she plotted out the adventures of Harry, Ron and Hermione as a series of seven books. The series took another ten years to complete, concluding in 2007 with the publication of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. She has also written three short companion volumes for charity, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and collaborated on the writing of a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which was also published as a screenplay. Her other books for children include the fairy tale The Ickabog and The Christmas Pig, which were published in 2020 and 2021 respectively and have also been bestsellers. J.K. Rowling has received many awards and honours for her writing. She also supports a number of causes through her charitable trust Volant and is the founder of the children’s charity Lumos.
