J.K. Rowling Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of J.K. Rowling books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

When it comes to modern storytelling, few names are as instantly recognizable as J.K. Rowling. Best known as the creator of the Harry Potter series, Rowling is more than just a best-selling author—she’s a cultural icon. Her books have defined a generation, inspired millions, and sparked a global love for reading in both children and adults. But before the world knew her name, she was just Joanne Rowling—a single mother with a story in her heart and a determination to tell it, no matter what.

Born on July 31, 1965, in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, Rowling grew up with a vivid imagination. She began writing stories at a very young age, often reading them aloud to her younger sister, Dianne. One of her earliest tales was about a rabbit named Rabbit, written when she was only five years old. Even back then, it was clear that storytelling came naturally to her.

Rowling’s childhood was filled with books and creativity, but it wasn’t without its challenges. She moved to the village of Tutshill at age nine, and later attended Wyedean School, where she was known as a quiet but bright student. One figure who made a strong impression on her was Jessica Mitford, a civil rights activist whose biography had been given to Rowling by her grandmother. Mitford became one of her personal heroes and a symbol of courage and social justice—a theme that would later echo throughout her writing.

After graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in French and the Classics, Rowling moved to London and began working at Amnesty International. Though she held various jobs, her passion for writing never faded. Then, in 1990, during a delayed train ride from Manchester to London, everything changed. It was on that train that the idea of a young boy attending a school for wizards suddenly came to her. By the time she reached her destination, Harry Potter had been born—at least in her mind.

The story didn’t come to life overnight. In fact, it took years. During that time, Rowling moved to Portugal, got married, and gave birth to her daughter, Jessica. However, her marriage didn’t last, and she returned to the UK in 1995 as a single mother with little money and a half-finished manuscript. She settled in Edinburgh, Scotland, and continued writing in cafés while her daughter napped beside her. These weren’t glamorous days—Rowling was struggling financially and emotionally—but she later described this period as a turning point. Despite everything, she didn’t give up.

When she finally completed Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Rowling faced yet another challenge: getting published. She was turned down by numerous publishers before Bloomsbury agreed to take a chance on her book. The decision changed literary history. The book hit shelves in June 1997 and quickly gained momentum, especially after it won several prestigious awards and received glowing reviews from readers and critics alike. In the U.S., it was released under the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a small change that marked the beginning of its international reach.

From there, Rowling’s career took off like a broomstick. She released six more books in the main Harry Potter series, each one darker, deeper, and more emotionally complex than the last. Readers grew up alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and the world of Hogwarts became a second home for millions. Whether it was the Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire, the emotional twists of Order of the Phoenix, or the final battle in Deathly Hallows, each book added layers of meaning to the story and further cemented Rowling’s place in literary history.

In addition to the main series, Rowling has written several companion books that expand the Wizarding World. Titles like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard offer fans a deeper look into magical lore, wizarding history, and magical creatures. These books, while shorter and more niche, are essential for anyone looking to truly understand the world she’s built.

There’s also Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a stage play written in collaboration with Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, based on a story Rowling helped develop. Though not a novel, it’s considered a part of the official canon and picks up the story nineteen years after Deathly Hallows ends.

Rowling didn’t stop writing after Harry Potter. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, she created the Cormoran Strike detective series, proving that her talent extends far beyond fantasy. These books have been praised for their intricate plots and complex characters, appealing to adult readers who may have grown up with Harry but now enjoy a different kind of mystery.

Over the years, Rowling has received countless awards and honors, including an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), France’s Légion d’Honneur, and honorary degrees from Harvard, Oxford, and many other universities. She’s also a philanthropist, having donated millions to causes she cares deeply about, including her own children’s charity, Lumos, which works to end the institutionalization of children worldwide.

What makes Rowling’s story so inspiring isn’t just her success—it’s how she got there. Her rise from financial struggle to international fame is a testament to the power of imagination, persistence, and belief in one’s own story. She has spoken openly about facing rejection, depression, and self-doubt, but also about how those experiences shaped her writing. The Dementors, the soul-sucking creatures from the Harry Potter series, were inspired by her own battle with depression. And characters like Hermione Granger reflect Rowling’s own younger self—bright, determined, and unafraid to speak up.

For readers new to Rowling’s work—or those returning to it with fresh eyes—reading her books in order is more than just a helpful guide. It’s a journey. From the innocence and wonder of the first book to the intensity and resolution of the last, her storytelling unfolds in a way that’s deeply intentional. Each chapter builds on the last, and every detail, no matter how small, comes back around in a meaningful way.

In short, J.K. Rowling didn’t just write a series of books—she built a world. And whether you’re reading them for the first time or the tenth, following her books in order is the best way to experience the full magic, mystery, and emotion that she poured into every page.