As J. K. Rowling’s first book begins, Harry Potter is an unhappy boy. He did not resemble his relatives, and he felt that he did not belong in their home.

As J. K. Rowling’s first book begins, Harry Potter is an unhappy boy. He does not resemble his relatives, and he feels that he does not belong in their home.

When describing fictional events, verbs (in this case, begins, is, does, and feels) should be in the present tense.

For more help, see section S4-b.