The Magic Behind Harry Potter

When people think of famous books, Harry Potter is one of the first names that comes to mind. The story of Harry Potter was created by a British author named J.K. Rowling. She had the idea for Harry Potter while she was traveling on a train. She imagined a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and goes to a special school to learn magic.

The first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone," was published in 1997. At first, it was not easy for Rowling to find a company to print her book. Many publishers said no. But finally, one small company agreed, and the book became a huge success. Children and adults all over the world loved Harry’s adventures.

The story takes place at Hogwarts, a magical school where students learn spells, potions, and how to fly on broomsticks. Harry makes good friends like Hermione and Ron, but he also faces challenges. He must fight against the evil wizard, Voldemort, who wants to take over the magical world.

The Harry Potter series has seven books in total. They have been translated into more than 80 languages, so people everywhere can read them. The books were also made into movies, which are very popular. Many people visit places in England that are connected to Harry Potter, such as the studios where the films were made.

J.K. Rowling’s own life changed a lot after writing Harry Potter. Before the books, she did not have much money and worked very hard. After the series became popular, she became one of the most famous and influential writers in the world. She has inspired many people to read, write, and believe in the power of imagination.

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Explanations of Bolded Words

• wizard: a man who uses magic
• success: something that does very well or becomes very popular
• challenges: difficult things that someone needs to do or face
• translated: changed from one language into another
• influential: having the power to change people or things

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Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main idea of the text?
2. Who created the story of Harry Potter?
3. Where did J.K. Rowling first think of the idea for Harry Potter?
4. What is the name of the school Harry goes to?
5. Why was it difficult for Rowling to publish her book at first?
6. What does the word wizard mean in this text?
7. How did J.K. Rowling's life change after writing Harry Potter?

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True or False

For each false statement, correct it to make it true.

1. Harry Potter was written by an American author.
2. The first Harry Potter book was published in 1997.
3. The story takes place at a normal school in London.
4. The Harry Potter books have been translated into more than 80 languages.
5. J.K. Rowling became famous and influential after her books were published.

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Post-Reading Discussion Questions

1. Have you ever read a Harry Potter book or seen the movies? Which one is your favorite and why?
2. Do you like stories about magic? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever faced challenges in your life? How did you deal with them?
4. If you could visit any place from a book or movie, where would you go?
5. Who is a writer or person that you think is influential? Why?

Answer Key

Comprehension Questions

1. The main idea is the story behind how Harry Potter was created and became popular.
2. J.K. Rowling created the story of Harry Potter.
3. She thought of the idea while traveling on a train.
4. Harry goes to Hogwarts.
5. Many publishers said no to printing her book.
6. In this text, wizard means a man who uses magic.
7. She became famous and influential and her life improved.

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True or False

1. False. Harry Potter was written by a British author. (Correction: Harry Potter was written by a British author.)
2. True.
3. False. The story takes place at a magical school called Hogwarts. (Correction: The story takes place at a magical school called Hogwarts.)
4. True.
5. True.

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