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Harry Potter books in order to read and enjoy the series fully is something anyone new to the world of Harry Potter and author J.K. Rowling wonders about. This best selling series is a coming of age fantasy story that will spark a love of reading for anyone at any age. The reading order of the Harry Potter books is actually pretty straightforward. So, grab your wand and get ready to read all the Harry Potter books in order on the list!
Last Updated: November 3, 2023
Harry Potter Books in Order
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Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Series: Harry Potter #1
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: June 26, 1997

Harry Potter has no idea how famous he is. That's because he's being raised by his miserable aunt and uncle who are terrified Harry will learn that he's really a wizard, just as his parents were. But everything changes when Harry is summoned to attend an infamous school for wizards, and he begins to discover some clues about his illustrious birthright. From the surprising way he is greeted by a lovable giant, to the unique curriculum and colorful faculty at his unusual school, Harry finds himself drawn deep inside a mystical world he never knew existed and closer to his own noble destiny.



*The UK edition has a different name. It is entitled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The US publisher felt that US readers would not want to read a book that had the name “philosopher” in the title, so it was changed.
2.Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Series: Harry Potter #2
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: June 2, 1998

Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange impish creature who says that if Harry returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.
And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor and a spirit who haunts the girls’ bathroom. But then the real trouble begins – someone is turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects… Harry Potter himself!



3. Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Series: Harry Potter #3
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: July 8, 1999

Harry Potter, along with his best friends, Ron and Hermione, is about to start his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry can't wait to get back to school after the summer holidays. (Who wouldn't if they lived with the horrible Dursleys?) But when Harry gets to Hogwarts, the atmosphere is tense. There's an escaped mass murderer on the loose, and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school...



4. Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Series: Harry Potter #4
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: July 8, 2000

The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can't wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and there are spells to be learnt, potions to be brewed and Divination lessons (sigh) to be attended. Harry is expecting these: however, other quite unexpected events are already on the march ...
A much-awaited new Harry Potter adventure from an acclaimed story-telling genius.



5. Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Series: Harry Potter #5
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: June 21, 2003

Harry Potter is about to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Unlike most schoolboys, Harry never enjoys his summer holidays, but this summer is even worse than usual. The Dursleys, of course, are making his life a misery, but even his best friends, Ron and Hermione, seem to be neglecting him.
Harry has had enough. He is beginning to think he must do something, anything, to change his situation, when the summer holidays come to an end in a very dramatic fashion. What Harry is about to discover in his new year at Hogwarts will turn his world upside down...



6. Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Series: Harry Potter #6
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: July 16, 2005

It is the middle of the summer, but there is an unseasonal mist pressing against the windowpanes. Harry Potter is waiting nervously in his bedroom at the Dursleys' house in Privet Drive for a visit from Professor Dumbledore himself. One of the last times he saw the Headmaster was in a fierce one-to-one duel with Lord Voldemort, and Harry can't quite believe that Professor Dumbledore will actually appear at the Dursleys' of all places. Why is the Professor coming to visit him now? What is it that cannot wait until Harry returns to Hogwarts in a few weeks' time? Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts has already got off to an unusual start, as the worlds of Muggle and magic start to intertwine...



7. Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Series: Harry Potter #7
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: July 21, 2007

Harry has been burdened with a dark, dangerous and seemingly impossible task: that of locating and destroying Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Never has Harry felt so alone, or faced a future so full of shadows. But Harry must somehow find within himself the strength to complete the task he has been given. He must leave the warmth, safety and companionship of The Burrow and follow without fear or hesitation the inexorable path laid out for him...
In this final, seventh installment of the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling unveils in spectacular fashion the answers to the many questions that have been so eagerly awaited.



Sequel Harry Potter Book
This book is actually a play script developed by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorn, and John Tiffany. You should read the entire 7 book series before reading this, as it will make it easier to follow along and you will not risk reading spoilers for the series.
8. book 8: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two

Series: Harry Potter #8
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: July 31, 2016

The eighth story, nineteen years later...
It was always difficult being Harry Potter, and it isn't much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and a father of three school-age children.
While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son, Albus, must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is the complete and official playscript of the original, award-winning West End production. This updated edition includes the final dialogue and stage directions, a conversation piece between director John Tiffany and playwright Jack Thorne, the Potter family tree, and a timeline of events in the wizarding world leading up to "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."



Prequel Harry Potter Book
The Harry Potter Prequel is an 800 word story that J.K. Rowling wrote as part of a charity auction. The story was handwritten on a postcard and included in Waterstone’s What’s Your Story Collection.
9. Book 9: Harry Potter: The Prequel

Series: Harry Potter #0.5
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Waterstones
Publication Date: July 8, 2008

The Harry Potter prequel is an 800-word story written by J. K. Rowling, and was published online on 11 June 2008. Set about three years before the birth of Harry Potter, the story recounts an adventure experienced by Sirius Black and James Potter.
At the bottom of the card, JKR wrote: "From the prequel I am NOT working on - but that was fun!"
There is no official 'cover' for this short story, seeing as it was penned (By JKR) on an A5 card for the auction by bookseller Waterstone's, in aid of two reading charities, Dyslexia Action and English Pen. It was auctioned off for £25,000.

Harry Potter Books in Order: The Hogwarts Library Book Series
These are companion books for the Harry Potter series. They are important books in the library at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Series: Hogwarts Library Book #1
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander (pseudonym)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: March 1, 2001

A copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them resides on almost every wizarding household in the country. Now, for a limited period only, Muggles too have the chance to discover where the Quintaped lives, what the Puffskein eats, and why it is best not to leave milk out for a Knarl.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to improving and saving the lives of children around the world, which means that the dollars and Galleons you exchange for it will do magic beyond the powers of any wizard. If you feel that this is insufficient reason to part with your money, I can only hope most sincerel that passing wizards feel more charitable if they ever see you being attacked by a Manticore.
-Albus Dumbledore



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Quidditch Through the Ages

Series: Hogwarts Library Book #2
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling, Kennilworthy Whisp (Pseudonym)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: March 12, 2001

The most checked-out book in the Hogwarts Library, and a volume no Quidditch player or Harry Potter fan should be without!
If you have ever asked yourself where the Golden Snitch came from, how the Bludgers came into existence, or why the Wigtown Wanderers have pictures of meat cleavers on their robes, you need QUIDDITCH THROUGH THE AGES. This invaluable volume is consulted by young Quidditch fans on an almost daily basis.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will go to Comic Relief, who will use your money to continue improving and changing lives -- work that is even more important and astonishing than the three-and-a-half-second capture of the Golden Snitch by Roderick Plumpton in 1921.



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The Tales of the Beedle Bard

Series: Hogwarts Library Book #3
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling, Hermione Granger (Translator from Runes)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: January 1, 2008

"The Tales of Beedle the Bard" contains five richly diverse fairy tales, each with its own magical character, that will variously bring delight, laughter and the thrill of mortal peril.
Additional notes for each story penned by Professor Albus Dumbledore will be enjoyed by Muggles and wizards alike, as the Professor muses on the morals illuminated by the tales, and reveals snippets of information about life at Hogwarts.
A uniquely magical volume, with illustrations by the author, J. K. Rowling, that will be treasured for years to come.



Pottermore Presents Series
Pottermore Presents is a collection of short stories that feature J.K. Rowling’s writing taken from the Pottermore archives. These are illustrated eBooks that uncover the inspiration and secrets behind the world of Harry Potter.
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Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies
Title: Short Stories From Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies
Series: Pottermore Presents #1
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Pottermore
Publication Date: September 6, 2016Summary (from Goodreads):‘Minerva was the Roman goddess of warriors and wisdom. William McGonagall is celebrated as the worst poet in British history. There was something irresistible to me about his name, and the idea that such a brilliant woman might be a distant relative of the buffoonish McGonagall.’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing from the Pottermore archives: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.
These stories of heroism, hardship and dangerous hobbies profile two of the Harry Potter stories’ most courageous and iconic characters: Minerva McGonagall and Remus Lupin. J.K. Rowling also gives us a peek behind the closed curtains of Sybill Trelawney’s life, and you’ll encounter the reckless, magical-beast-loving Silvanus Kettleburn along the way.
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Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists
Title: Short Stories From Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists
Series: Pottermore Presents #2
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Pottermore
Publication Date: September 6, 2016Summary (from Goodreads):No Muggle Prime Minister has ever set foot in the Ministry of Magic, for reasons most succinctly summed up by ex-Minister Dugald McPhail (term of office 1858-1865): “their puir wee braines couldnae cope wi’ it.”’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com with some exclusive new additions. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.
These stories of power, politics and pesky poltergeists give you a glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world, revealing the ruthless roots of Professor Umbridge, the lowdown on the Ministers for Magic and the history of the wizarding prison Azkaban. You will also delve deeper into Horace Slughorn’s early years as Potions master at Hogwarts - and his acquaintance with one Tom Marvolo Riddle.
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Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide

Series: Pottermore Presents #3
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Pottermore
Publication Date: September 6, 2016

‘The Ministry of Magic felt strongly, however, that to construct an additional wizarding station in the middle of London would stretch even the Muggles’ notorious determination not to notice magic when it was exploding in front of their faces.’ – J.K. Rowling
Pottermore Presents is a collection of J.K. Rowling’s writing: short reads originally featured on pottermore.com. These eBooks, with writing curated by Pottermore, will take you beyond the Harry Potter stories as J.K. Rowling reveals her inspiration, intricate details of characters’ lives and surprises from the wizarding world.
Hogwarts An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide takes you on a journey to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You’ll venture into the Hogwarts grounds, become better acquainted with its more permanent residents, learn more about lessons and discover secrets of the castle . . . all at the turn of a page.


Fantastic Beasts: The Original Screenplay Series
This screenplay series serves as a guide book about all of the magical creatures that are mentioned in the world of Harry Potter.
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
Series: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them #1
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: November 8, 2016Summary (from Goodreads):J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.
Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.
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Fantastic Beasts; Crimes of Grindelwald: The Original Screenplay

Series: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them #2
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: November 16, 2018

At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
This second original screenplay from J.K. Rowling, illustrated with stunning line art from MinaLima, expands on earlier events that helped shaped the wizarding world, with some surprising nods to the Harry Potter stories that will delight fans of both the books and films.



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Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: The Complete Screenplay

Series: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them #3
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Author: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: July 19, 2022

Professor Albus Dumbledore knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches, and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?
The official screenplay of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the ultimate companion to the film, and invites readers to explore every scene of the complete script penned by J.K. Rowling & Steve Kloves. Special features include behind-the-scenes content and commentary from David Yates, David Heyman, Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Colleen Atwood, and more.



If you are interested in keeping a record of all the Harry Potter books you have read in order, Cooper Boom Studios has a fantastic downloadable book reading tracker.

Harry Potter Reading Tracker via Cooper Boom Studios on Etsy
Harry Potter Books in Order (Series)
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two
Harry Potter Books in Order
Harry Potter books in order is only necessary for the first eight books in the main Harry Potter series. This guide has the books in order of publication and it makes sense to read them as such, but it is entirely up to the reader. The complete Harry Potter series is composed of many spin-off books and the main series: Harry Potter, The Hogwarts Library, Pottermore Presents, and Fantastic Beasts. Here’s hoping that J.K. Rowling keeps gracing us with more books to whet our appetites.
My son loves this series.
We so love Harry Potter in this house.