Discover the scientific secrets of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore, and more in J. K. Rowling’s universe. Movie-goers and young readers the world over have been spellbound by the tales of “the boy who lived.” J. K. Rowling’s stories have conjured ideas of magic and sorcery into our minds like no other book series before. But nature is its own magic. And Muggle scientists have uncovered answers for the weird and wonderful questions from the magic world. Questions such as: Who was the real Merlin? Who really was the last great wizard? Do real-life love potions work? Platform 9¾: are there real hidden railway stations in London? And many more! The Super Cool Science of Harry Potter is for any young fan of Harry Potter. You don’t need to be a witch or wizard to weave your magical way through the facts about your favorite characters, potions, spells, and mysteries from the boy wizard’s world!

Movie-goers and young readers the world over have been spellbound by the tales of "the boy who lived." J. K. Rowling's stories have conjured ideas of magic and sorcery into our minds like no other book series before. But nature is its own magic. And Muggle scientists have uncovered answers for the weird and wonderful questions from the magic world.

Behind the magic of Harry Potter—a witty and illuminating look at the scientific principles, theories, and assumptions of the boy wizard's world, newly come to life again in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and the upcoming film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald Can Fluffy the three-headed dog be explained by advances in molecular biology? Could the discovery of cosmic "gravity-shielding effects" unlock the secret to the Nimbus 2000 broomstick's ability to fly? Is the griffin really none other than the dinosaur Protoceratops? Roger Highfield, author of the critically acclaimed The Physics of Christmas, explores the fascinating links between magic and science to reveal that much of what strikes us as supremely strange in the Potter books can actually be explained by the conjurings of the scientific mind. This is the perfect guide for parents who want to teach their children science through their favorite adventures as well as for the millions of adult fans of the series intrigued by its marvels and mysteries. • An ALA Booklist Editors' Choice •

How does magic in J. K. Rowling’s universe work? Finally, the scientific secrets are revealed! The story of the boy who lived has brought the idea of magic and sorcery into mainstream fruition more than any other book series in history. Modern muggle scientists have uncovered explanations to the seemingly impossible, including answers to such questions as: Will we ever see an invisibility cloak? How hazardous is a flying broomstick like the Nimbus 2000? How has medicine made powerful potions from peculiar plants? (Felix Felicis, anyone?) Can scientists ever demonstrate Wingardium Leviosa, or the flying power of a Golden Snitch? Is it possible to stupefy someone? And many more! Often perceived as a supernatural force, magic captivates and delights its audience because of its seeming ability to defy physics and logic. But did you ever wonder if science has any explanation for these fantastic feats? The Science of Harry Potter examines the scientific principles—behind some of your favorite characters, spells, items, scenes, and even games like Quidditch and Wizard’s Chess—from boy wizard Harry Potter’s world, providing in-depth analysis and scientific facts to support its theories. Author Mark Brake, whose The Science of Star Wars was a knockout success, has found the answers to satisfy the curious spirits of muggles everywhere… A perfect Harry Potter gift for anyone obsessed enough to stand in line to be the first to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child or Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, witches and wizards alike will be fascinated by the merging of this improbable realm and real science!

Learn about the science used by Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia, and more in the Star Wars galaxy. Star Wars has captured the hearts and imaginations of sci-fi fans worldwide. We all marvel at its dazzling variety of aliens, spaceships, and planets. That’s because there’s something revolutionary about the actual science in Star Wars. These painted pictures from the movies make us see the universe in a new light. They inspire us to ask questions such as: How much would it cost to build a Death Star? Did Star Wars predict the existence of exoplanets? Could a single blast from the Death Star destroy the earth? Could Starkiller Base suck the energy from a star? And many more! The Super Cool Science of Star Wars is a book for any young Star Wars fan. You don’t need to be a Jedi scientist to make the jump to light speed and find the facts behind the Star Wars galaxy!

One of the most beloved stories in history, J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series topped the best-seller charts and inspired the highest-grossing film series of all time. But what is it about this story that has ignited such fandom and struck such a chord with people around the world?As English professor, culture critic, and Potter devotee Greg Garrett explains, these novels not only entertain but teach deeply held truths about ourselves, others, and the world around us. Unlocking the thematic intricacies behind the Harry Potter narrative, Garrett reveals Rowling’s magical formula—one that, he contends, earns her a place right next to the literary giants of old.