What name did J.K. Rowling use for the American edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?

The American edition of J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel was titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The British original was titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Scholastic changed the title for the United States because editors believed that “sorcerer” would be more immediately understandable and appealing to American children than “philosopher.” Rowling agreed to the change, although she later expressed some reservations about altering the title.

The story itself is the same first Harry Potter novel: Harry learns that he is a wizard, attends Hogwarts, and discovers a plot involving the Philosopher’s Stone, or Sorcerer’s Stone in the American edition. The title difference is mainly regional terminology.

This is why references to the first book can appear inconsistent. “Philosopher’s Stone” identifies the UK and many international editions, while “Sorcerer’s Stone” identifies the US edition and its film title.