The British versions
If you’ve only read the versions of J.K. Rowling’s series that were released in the United States, then you might not realize that they’re a little different than the Harry Potter books originally released in the United Kingdom. Since I’ve read and studied both British and American literature, I’ve long had an appreciation for those little differences between the two “languages.” There are some common differences in spelling, and even punctuation, between British English and American English. I’ve always enjoyed making these comparisons, so I was very excited when my mother-in-law visited England and began purchasing the British versions for me to read. I was also happy to share them with my daughter when we first opened Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . I think I’ve read that the first book’s title was changed to its American title, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , so that it would sound more “magical” to American readers. And, hey, most American