Anyone who knows me knows that MY most recommended book from the  2015 Battle of the Books list is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (I’m using “philosopher’s stone” instead of sorcerer’s stone for several reasons: I used to live in England and that’s the title they use there, it’s the title in the version linked below, and the author, J.K. Rowling, wrote the book with that title). Anyone who knows me also knows that I resisted reading this magical series for YEARS because I didn’t think I would like it. “Modern fantasy just isn’t my genre,” I used to argue. However, I knew that I would have to read the series eventually to help future students who might read it. So last summer, I finally began the reading journey, and I fell in love with the characters, adventures, and heart.

Are you ready to start this magical series? Let’s read the first book together this summer! There are several ways to get your hands on the book. You can check it out from the Middleboro Public Library, stop by the school offices this summer to borrow the book for free (just return it so others can devour it, too!), or get one at your local thrift shop (they almost always have a copy at Savers, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent DePaul Society, or Goodwill). Once you have your copy, I recommend reading the book with a friend or listening to the amazing British actor, Stephen Fry, perform as he reads the ENTIRE book aloud on YouTube (the recording is over eight hours long!):

To participate in this book club over the summer, have your parent fill out the form with his/her email address to receive book club news, questions, and activities over the summer!

Happy reading!