Kidsreads.com - News Update on J.K. Rowling

December 2004

New Harry Potter book to
hit stands on July 16, 2005.

The sixth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, "HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE," will go on sale on Saturday, July 16, 2005 in both the U.S. and Britain at a price of $29.99. Rowling has said that one of her characters will not survive her sixth book, but she refused to identify who that will be. Harry is safe, at least for now. Rowling has said her teenage hero will survive until the seventh and final book in the series, but she has not said what will happen to him beyond that.

July 2004

J.K. Rowling Expecting Her Third Child

Author J.K. Rowling recently announced on her website that she is pregnant with her third child, due early next year. The expectant mother assured her fans that her pregnancy will not delay progress on the much anticipated sixth book in the Harry Potter series, HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE. According to Rowling, the latest chapter in the life of Harry Potter is right on schedule and should encounter no interruptions.

June 2004

Harry Potter Title Revealed

The much anticipated title of the sixth book of the Harry Potter series was announced on J.K. Rowling's website under the Do Not Disturb Door icon. The next chapter in Harry's adventure will be called HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE. Rumors circulated that the book would be called HARRY POTTER AND THE PILLAR OF STORGE and while Rowling admits that this title was considered for the second book for a short time, it was never an option for book six. Rowling also tells readers that anyone claiming to have information about the book before its release is lying because any details that she wants made public are posted on the website immediately. She assures readers that the Do Not Disturb Door will continue to open to give fans clues about the upcoming book. So be patient and keep your eye on that door.

June 2004

At this years' Audio Publisher's Association awards gala, the Audies, the award for Audiobook of the Year went to HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX by J.K. Rowling. The addition, read by Jim Dale and published by Listening Library, was recognized for its narration, marketing strategy, publicity, and overall sales efforts.

Filming on the fourth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, is underway. Director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, began shooting the fourth chapter of the series in England in March. The film is scheduled for release in November of 2005.

The official paperback edition of the fifth book in the Harry Potter series, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX, will be on bookshelves on August 10th. The book, which will feature the same artwork as the hardcover, will have a first printing of two million copies.

October 2002

Here is a news update on J.K. Rowling. Not only did the best-selling writer end an extended legal dispute, but she formally announced that she and her husband, 31-year-old anesthesiologist Neil Murray, are expecting a baby in the spring.

This will be the second child for the 37-year-old Rowling, who has a daughter Jessica, 9, from a previous marriage. No confirmation yet on whether the new little wizard will be a girl or a boy.

Appearing on BBC Children's Television, Rowling said she felt relieved now that a U.S. federal court had thrown out the plagiarism lawsuit brought against her by another author. She admitted that the case was such a distraction it felt like an evil spell from You-Know-Who.

This good news translates into great news for Harry Potter fans. It means the author has time to complete Book Five, tentatively titled HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX. Originally scheduled to hit stores this year, the book will explore Harry's teenage years and his growing fascination with girls.

While you're waiting, readers can always check out two short companion books released by Rowling: FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM and QUIDDITCH THROUGH THE AGES.