Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was published September 1st, 1998 by USA-based company Scholastic. It quickly grew in popularity until it became a worldwide phenomenon. Spanning seven novels that were released over the course of nine years, it weaves the tale of a secret world full of wizards and witches. Movies followed not long after, with the first coming to theaters in 2001, and the final in 2011. Throughout these 20 years, the universe of Harry Potter has continued to grow. Board games, cosplay, merchandise, and even an amusement park have met fans’ needs for more Potter.
To mark this journey of success, Scholastic released a short video on Twitter about what Harry Potter means. Various fans are featured, talking about how the books made them enjoy reading, changed their life, and that author J.K. Rowling is a genius. Editor and publisher Arthur A. Levine stated:
“There was a conversation going on about a single book that seven year-olds and seventy year-olds, and everyone in-between, were actively engaged in.“
Richard Robinson, Chairman and CEO of Scholastic said:
“The story is timeless. It’s a story of discovery, complexity, and the good and evil in the world. And that’s what gives it it’s power.“
Donalyn Miller, educator and author also stated:
“Children’s literature will never be the same after the publication of Harry Potter.“
To mark this momentous occasion, Scholastic released a new special edition box set of all seven novels. The artwork has been redesigned by Brian Selznick, a Caldecott Medallist. The box set features a fully colored illustration of Harry on the back. The Hogwarts house crests are also on the two ends.
Scholastic has also partnered by NBC’s TODAY for “20 Years of Magic: The Ultimate Harry Potter Fan Contest.” Fans are asked to answer what their favorite passage is from the Sorcerer’s Stone and why. Three grand prize winners will get a trip to New York City to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, tour the Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibit at the New York Historical Society, have lunch with Arthur A. Levine, and appear on the TODAY show in October.