Perfectly Horrible!

Horrible Harry. Hmm...is this going to be one of those books where the kid always does something bad and then there's a lesson learned?

Well, sort of, but it's better than that.

How? Does he, like, make fun of everyone, and then you find out he's just such a good kid they all live happily ever after?

Not exactly. It's better than that.

How? I don't believe you.

Okay. Harry Spooger is a third-grader (though in earlier books he's in second grade) whose best friend, Doug, tells the stories. Harry is only "horrible," because some of the kids think he says crazy things, or does gross things. But really, Harry has a great imagination and is really smart, too. His teacher knows it, and so do his closest friends, Doug and Song Lee. The "Horrible Harry" books are about what goes on in Harry and Doug's class. They do special projects to learn about different topics, they go on field trips, they have parties in the classroom, just like you might have in your second or third grade classroom.

So there are a bunch of Horrible Harry books?

Yep--there are. Suzy Kline is the author. She wrote the books.

What's this one about?

After day after day of indoor recess, Harry and his friends are very bored. They become curious about a closet in the classroom that is always locked! By peeking under the door, they try to imagine all the possible things that could be in it. A trap door might be the way in, but will their teacher, Miss Mackle let them investigate? The class of room 3B learns a bit about the history of South School, and finds out how kids used to keep themselves entertained and busy on dreary indoor recess days.

Why we like this book: Harry is the kind of kid that might cause a few headaches for parents, especially with his schemes and dreams. He can surely make some messes, but he is usually out for good. He likes to please his teacher, his close friends, and sometimes gets in trouble trying to do so. Harry, for all his horrible-ness, has the same kind of joys and fears that most kids do. He's not particularly a great student or athlete, but he always tries his best when it matters. His desire to learn more sometimes ends up getting him in more hot water, but when tempered under the watchful eye of his teacher, Miss Mackle, or his best friend, Doug, Harry's escapades help the entire class learn the lesson.

Should I start at the beginning of the series?

Horrible Harry in Room 2B is the first book of the series. It can be a good place to start, but it isn't necessary. But you'll be introduced to the entire class and get to know all the antics of Harry right from the start. Harry isn't so horrible, but his stories are sure fun to read!!