What title was used in the United States for J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel?

In the United States, J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter novel was published as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The original British title was Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Scholastic released the American edition in September 1998, after the book had already appeared in the United Kingdom. The title change was made because the publisher thought “sorcerer” would be clearer and more attractive to American children than “philosopher.”

The plot, characters, and magical object are the same in both editions. The difference is primarily a publishing and localization decision, not a separate story. Some wording was also adjusted between British and American editions.

This title variation is one of the best-known examples of regional editing in children’s publishing. International readers may therefore see either title used when the first Harry Potter book is discussed.