Children's Bestsellers

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

By J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, $6.99

The Harry Potter book that started it all as a hardback bestseller is now taking its bend-friendly counterpart, the paperback, up the charts faster than a Quiddich World Cup tournament. Back in July, The New York Times finally did what evil Lord Voldemort couldn't: They banished Harry Potter from their bestselling fiction list to make room for adult novels that had been cowering in the shadows for more than 80 weeks. As Rowling continues to write, the bestselling children's list may someday be all Harry, all the time. Ages 9-12. (309 pp.) (Full review Jan. 14, 1999) By Yvonne Zipp

Audio available Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

By J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, $19.95

The third in the series finds Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner, in search of Harry. But Harry can't help thinking the Dementors sent to capture Black are scarier than the archcriminal. (Younger children are likely to agree.) This book delves deeper into Harry's father's past and adds a layer of symbolism to the nonstop adventure. Ages 9-12. (435 pp.) (Full review Sept. 23, 1999) By Yvonne Zipp

Audio available Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

By J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, $25.95

In the latest installment, 14-year-old Harry is mysteriously volunteered for a dangerous tournament to compete against an international group of student wizards. Meanwhile, Hermione takes on the cause of repressed house-elves, and You-Know-Who lurks in the shadows. As Harry gets older, his world gets bigger and his challenges grow darker - as they must if he is to become a true hero. But what makes good literary sense also puts this book squarely in the young-adult realm. Parents should read the last 100 pages with anyone under five foot. Ages 9-12. (734 pp.) (Full review July 13) By Yvonne Zipp

Audio available Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

By J.K. Rowling, Scholastic, $6.99

In Book 2 of the Potter saga, something is stalking the students at Hogwarts, turning the ones from human families to stone. Harry's best friend, Hermione, finds herself in mortal peril. As if dealing with monsters wasn't enough, Harry is suspected of the crimes. Though a weaker tale than the other Potter books, Rowling's humor keeps things from getting too scary for small readers, and the end result is charming. You've got to love a battle where the hero literally pulls victory out of a hat. Released this month in paperback. Ages 9-12. (342 pp.) (Full review June 17, 1999) By Yvonne Zipp

Audio available A Year Down Yonder

By Richard Peck, Dial, $16.99

Fans of "A Long Way from Chicago" will rejoice in its sequel. This time, Mary Alice must stay with her grandma alone, for a year. Being the new girl in a "hick town" and having no indoor plumbing are just two of Mary's problems. Against the backdrop of her grandmother's brash work ethic, Mary Alice comes of age. This story is laugh-aloud funny and full of appreciation for the way things used to be. Ages 12 and up. (130 pp.) (Full review Jan. 25) By Courtney Williamson

Audio available Olivia

By Ian Falconer, Atheneum, $16

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