3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone / J.K. Rowling
(Approx. 120 million copies)
The newest book on the list, published in 1997, initially seemed relatively modest – but marked the beginning of an unprecedented global hysteria and received the obligatory title “the book that made children read again.”
The plot is classic: an adopted child abandoned in the cradle, rejected, and living in squalor with his evil uncles, Vernon and Petunia, together with their adored son Dudley. He suddenly discovers he is a member of a magnificent line of wizards. Harry moves from his tiny room under the stairs of the house to Hogwarts Academy, the wizarding school – a twist that captured the hearts of the children and parents.
The series includes seven books depicting Harry’s adventures each year at school and eight films – with the Harry Potter brand still running at full steam.