Book News: 15th Anniversary Harry Potter Celebration

In 1998, the U.S. was introduced to the book that would become the greatest book frenzy of all time:  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling.  It was originally published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the U.K. one year prior.  It reached the NYT Bestsellers fiction list in August 1999 and remained near the top for almost two years.  Since then, more than 150 million Harry Potter books have been sold in U.S. and  Harry Potter has grown to a $15 billion empire.

Today, Scholastic announced that in celebration of Harry Potter's 15th anniversary in the U.S., it will be releasing new editions of all seven books with new covers.  These covers will be designed by award-winning illustrator Kazu Kibushi.  Kibushi is a graphic novelist, best known for his work on his Amulet series.

The first of the seven new covers will be released in September 2013 and all new editions will appear as U.S. trade paperbacks. The original covers will continue to be sold, in both paperbacks and hardcovers.   Additionally, Scholastic will release a boxed set collection to attract new readers.

"The brilliant artist Kazu Kibuishi offers his unique vision of the world of Harry Potter, making each cover an incredible adventure that will transport new readers just discovering Harry Potter for the first time directly into the rich world of J.K. Rowling's imagination." - Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade Publishing

15th Anniversary cover by Kazu Kibushi

Original 1998 cover by Mary GrandPre

In November 2013, Scholastic will  release the first boxed set of the Hogwarts Library books in the U.S.  Some proceeds will go towards two charities as chosen by J.K. Rowling.

Do you remember the first time you read it?  I do.  I was in the 8th grade and thirteen years old.  The year was 2000.  To this day, I can honestly admit that it is my favorite series of all time and J.K. Rowling is a huge inspiration, which drove me to work in my first manuscript, Onyx.  I still cry after watching The Half-Blood Prince and The Deathly Hallows, Part 2.  So yea... I am a huge fan.

The official press release is available here.


-Mariela