Just Harriet

Written by Elana K. Arnold

Narrated by Taylor Meskimen

From the award-winning author of A Boy Called Bat comes a new young middle grade series in the tradition of Ramona and Clementine, starring an unforgettable girl named Harriet.

There are a few things you should know about Harriet Wermer:

• She just finished third grade. 
• She has a perfect cat named Matzo Ball. 
• She doesn’t always tell the truth. 
• She is very happy to be spending summer vacation away from home and her mom and dad and all the wonderful things she had been planning all year.

Okay, maybe that last one isn’t entirely the truth.

Of course, there’s nothing Harriet doesn't like about Marble Island, the small island off the coast of California where her nanu runs a cozy little bed and breakfast. And nobody doesn’t love Moneypenny, Nanu’s old basset hound. But Harriet doesn’t like the fact that Dad made this decision without even asking her.

When Harriet arrives on Marble Island, however, she discovers that it's full of surprises, and even a mystery. One that seems to involve her Dad, back when he was a young boy living on Marble Island. One that Harriet is absolutely going to solve. And that's the truth.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780063092112

Elana K. Arnold

Elana K. Arnold is the award-winning author of many books for children and teens, including the Sydney Taylor and National Jewish Book Award winner The Blood Years, the Printz Honor winner Damsel, the National Book Award finalist What Girls Are Made Of, and the Global Read Aloud selection A Boy Called Bat. She lives in Long Beach, California, with her husband, two children, and a menagerie of animals. You can find her online at elanakarnold.com.

[cheryl_in_cc_nv · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Seems too old to be so very self-centered. Mom needs picking up from the hospital, but she lies to Dad to delay the pick-up and gets a smoothie instead. Takes the cat away from bed-ridden mom and never gives her a second thought. Complain about having to go live with grandma on an island, instead of caring for mother. Apparently doesn't even call her parents. A little brother is just what she needs. But then, Mom named her after Harriet the Spy, so, I guess she deserves what she gets. Personally, I think it's a pretty good name, but I'd have my daughter learn about Harriet Tubman instead.

The book ends with Harriet learning she is strong. Not kind, not helpful, not empathetic, not truthful. Just strong... as in more "high-energy" than she already is?

I do like that the author wants people to keep cats indoors instead of out eating birds & lizards. And I do like that dad grew up with 'dollhouse stuff.' (Actually he made miniatures for a scale model of a house, but the book is in Harriet's voice.)

I have no interest in the sequel or anything else by the author.

[foggidawn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When her mom is put on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy, Harriet is sent to spend the summer at her grandmother’s bed and breakfast. Though stroppy about the change in plans at first, she soon becomes interested in exploring her surroundings, and finding the keyhole that fits the mysterious key she uncovers.

Meh, I was not in the mood for this kid today. She’s realistically flawed, but I was just not there for the compulsive lying. The pacing also seemed off; draggy at first and then rushed at the end. Actual kids might like this more than I did.