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Horrible Harry #4
Horrible Harry's Secret
Horrible Harry falls in love with Song Lee, and Harry's best friend, Doug, can't stand all that mush.
64 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
15 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Suzy Kline
146 books59 followersSuzy Kline, nee Weaver, was an elementary school teacher for 25 years and most of her books are based on the experiences she had while teaching. Suzy and Rufus got married and had two daughters named Jennifer and Emily. Now, more than 24 years after writing her first book, Suzy has traveled all over the United States helping children learn how to enjoy reading and writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 22, 2020
This was great book with a happy ending 😊
September 8, 2016
1) If you have ever read any of the Horrible Harry book series, Harry is always getting into some kind of trouble, that is until Horrible Harry's Secret. Harry falls in love with the Song at school after she brings her pet frog in, and instantly becomes a better student making her love notes and gifts. His friend Doug wants him to go back to being mean to students and not like Song. However, it turns out Harry is acting different because he lost his two front teeth and doesn't want anyone to know or make fun of him. Therefore, Harry gets put in the other students perspectives and realizes he needs to be nicer to the other students.
2) Grade Level: 2nd-4th grade Age level: 7-9 years old
3) Appropriate classroom use for this book would be writing and reading activities to go along with the book
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading this book would be girls that like suspense and wanting to read to find out what happens in books, or boys that like reading about experiences like this one that they may have had
5) This could be used in a small group as a way of relating to the other students in the classroom. This has probably happened to many of the students so they could write about their experience or even make up a story similar to Horrible Harry's experience encouraging them to be creative.
6) This would be hard to read as whole class use in one sitting since it is a chapter book, however we could talk about the important parts such as treating everyone the way you would like to be treated and to be nice to everyone even if your friend is telling you not to, and to introduce the concept of peer pressure.
7) Horrible Harry and the Green Slime, Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion, and Horrible Harry Cracks the Code all By: Suzy Kline
8) There is an audio book, as well as an audio CD with more of the "Horrible Harry" series along with it which would be a good investment for your classroom if you were going to be reading these type of books a lot.
2) Grade Level: 2nd-4th grade Age level: 7-9 years old
3) Appropriate classroom use for this book would be writing and reading activities to go along with the book
4) Individual students who might benefit from reading this book would be girls that like suspense and wanting to read to find out what happens in books, or boys that like reading about experiences like this one that they may have had
5) This could be used in a small group as a way of relating to the other students in the classroom. This has probably happened to many of the students so they could write about their experience or even make up a story similar to Horrible Harry's experience encouraging them to be creative.
6) This would be hard to read as whole class use in one sitting since it is a chapter book, however we could talk about the important parts such as treating everyone the way you would like to be treated and to be nice to everyone even if your friend is telling you not to, and to introduce the concept of peer pressure.
7) Horrible Harry and the Green Slime, Horrible Harry and the Ant Invasion, and Horrible Harry Cracks the Code all By: Suzy Kline
8) There is an audio book, as well as an audio CD with more of the "Horrible Harry" series along with it which would be a good investment for your classroom if you were going to be reading these type of books a lot.
February 2, 2012
In honor of valentines day, I would like to post a brief retrospective of how I blame this book completely for my love of romances. Especially romances featuring a very sweet girl and a guy who is, well, kind of a jerk.
Although Harry and Song Lee were in second grade and were not able to complete their kick ball wedding, I hope that they were able to stick together though the years, bonding based on their love of frogs, worms and practical jokes. I really hope that in the 22 years since this book was written, they have found their HEA. I would highly recomend this book for children and other immature people.
Although Harry and Song Lee were in second grade and were not able to complete their kick ball wedding, I hope that they were able to stick together though the years, bonding based on their love of frogs, worms and practical jokes. I really hope that in the 22 years since this book was written, they have found their HEA. I would highly recomend this book for children and other immature people.
March 8, 2013
Horrible harry's secret is about harry's secret that is shared with doug. harry wants to get the attention of song lee.harry gets a note from song lee to not fight with sidney. Read to find the secret! I didn't like the book because there wasn't the conflict I wanted.
February 15, 2023
By book four, you kind of know the characters pretty well. Song Lee, Horrible Harry, Doug, Sidney, Miss Mackle (teacher), and Mr. Cardini (Principal). You also start to notice that some of these stories, if not all of them, are inspired by or re-tellings of actual events. For example, the first story is named the same thing as the book. I suppose it's entirely possible that someone would think they have a crush on someone in second grade. I know I thought I did. I didn't really do very much with that crush, though.
The second story is called "The Deadly Snowdown." It's a parody of duels from westerns, but instead of weapons, Doug (who is the main character) and Harry use snowballs. The third is called "The Red Foil Gift," in which Harry gives his crush (Song Lee) a present. Miss Mackle has the students make Hanukkah-, Christmas-, or winter-inspired designs. In "Frogs, Liver, and Love," Miss Mackle has the kids draw the person next to them. The finale has Harry feeling sad about something and Doug gets the impression that Harry may have stolen something when some money appears around him because that particular day wasn't the day to bring in lunch money. The last story is called "Harry the Thief?" For the first time in this series, each of the stories flow together and reference each other. I ended up getting the impression that book 4 was a collection of things happening within the exact same day. In the first three, I did not get that impression.
It's entirely possible that Suzy Kline wrote this one feeling nostalgic or while remembering a lot of things about her students some of the stories seem to be ordinary things you may expect to see happening in a second grade class. It kind of stepped out of the usual vein, which is Harry pulling this stunt or that stunt. This one made you feel like you, as the reader, could actually be in second grade and seeing what's all going on during a specific day. I thought I was going to give it two stars, but I will give it four. Kline changing it up a little bit actually worked out.
The second story is called "The Deadly Snowdown." It's a parody of duels from westerns, but instead of weapons, Doug (who is the main character) and Harry use snowballs. The third is called "The Red Foil Gift," in which Harry gives his crush (Song Lee) a present. Miss Mackle has the students make Hanukkah-, Christmas-, or winter-inspired designs. In "Frogs, Liver, and Love," Miss Mackle has the kids draw the person next to them. The finale has Harry feeling sad about something and Doug gets the impression that Harry may have stolen something when some money appears around him because that particular day wasn't the day to bring in lunch money. The last story is called "Harry the Thief?" For the first time in this series, each of the stories flow together and reference each other. I ended up getting the impression that book 4 was a collection of things happening within the exact same day. In the first three, I did not get that impression.
It's entirely possible that Suzy Kline wrote this one feeling nostalgic or while remembering a lot of things about her students some of the stories seem to be ordinary things you may expect to see happening in a second grade class. It kind of stepped out of the usual vein, which is Harry pulling this stunt or that stunt. This one made you feel like you, as the reader, could actually be in second grade and seeing what's all going on during a specific day. I thought I was going to give it two stars, but I will give it four. Kline changing it up a little bit actually worked out.
November 2, 2019
Horrible Harry's Secret by Suzy Kline isn't my favorite book. However, there were a few lessons that make it a worthwhile read for children. One is when Harry falls in love with a girl in his class. He sends her a note asking her if she likes him too. Her reply isn't that of a typical elementary school student. She says that she will like him if he doesn't fight with Sydney anymore, the boy who teases him. I suppose it doesn't matter how rivalries are resolved, as long as they end. Another admirable message comes when Harry's friends notice he isn't acting like himself. Sydney speculates that there's a possibility that Harry's parents got a divorce. He says that when his parents divorced, it made him really sad. The other two friends are surprised by this news. This shows that we never know what's going in someone else’s world.
This would be a great book for children to read if they're having issues with a classmate. While their parents may not have gone through a divorce, there might be something else going on that isn't visible from the outside. As hard as it may be, if you make an effort to get to know the person you have issues with, you may find out they're not so bad.
This would be a great book for children to read if they're having issues with a classmate. While their parents may not have gone through a divorce, there might be something else going on that isn't visible from the outside. As hard as it may be, if you make an effort to get to know the person you have issues with, you may find out they're not so bad.
December 21, 2018
Harry loves slimy things, hairy things, and creepy things. Harry loves anything horrible.
I don’t think Harry likes horrible things. Frogs aren’t horrible, but a lot of people don’t like them. I don’t like touching slimy things, but that doesn’t mean slimy things are horrible.
Anyways,
My favourite part of this story was when Harry fell in love with Song Lee because she too likes weird things, but Doug, his way of thinking was hilarious, and a kid-like thing to say:
Harry did some horrible things in second grade out of this was the most horriblest of all.
I remember having the same sort of mindset when I was a kid. Reading these brings back the memories.
Such a cute little love story!
I don’t think Harry likes horrible things. Frogs aren’t horrible, but a lot of people don’t like them. I don’t like touching slimy things, but that doesn’t mean slimy things are horrible.
Anyways,
My favourite part of this story was when Harry fell in love with Song Lee because she too likes weird things, but Doug, his way of thinking was hilarious, and a kid-like thing to say:
Harry did some horrible things in second grade out of this was the most horriblest of all.
I remember having the same sort of mindset when I was a kid. Reading these brings back the memories.
Such a cute little love story!
September 20, 2021
I do like this series, and have decided to read a bunch of 'em, since my library has them and they are short. I'm reserving the fourth star for the most special ones, but even the three star ones are worthwhile.
One could argue that this one is about Song Lee using her feminine wiles to change Harry... but since it only kinda works, and I don't think she was fully aware of what she was doing, imo it's ok. It might be fun to discuss the theme & her strategy with your kiddo.
One could argue that this one is about Song Lee using her feminine wiles to change Harry... but since it only kinda works, and I don't think she was fully aware of what she was doing, imo it's ok. It might be fun to discuss the theme & her strategy with your kiddo.
December 25, 2018
Horrible Harry and his classmates in room 2B return, and Doug tells the adventures of Harry's Secret. Harry is more in love with Song Lee especially when she brings her water frog to class, and tells Harry she would like him more if he didn't fight with Sidney as much. Harry is going through a physical change in his life, and it's revealed why Sidney acts out in class and seeks attention.
January 25, 2025
Harry doesn't seem too horrible in this. The horrible part, for the narrator at least, is that he's in love. Harry passes a note to Song Lee asking if she likes him. She says she would like if he and Sydney stopped fighting. So most of the book is Harry struggling to get along with Sydney while making sure Song Lee notices. This book is more of a continuing story than the previous books.
February 25, 2024
Part of a large series of fun stories following the antics of Doug, Harry and their friends through 2nd and 3rd grades. Excellent to listen to (available on Hoopla), and usually around 30-45 min, these are enjoyable for kids and adults alike. I highly recommend for your next car ride!
October 17, 2019
amusing & cute
November 14, 2019
A good book for kids of all ages.
April 6, 2021
Eva says - Horrible Harry and Sidney finally get along. They paint and I paint a lot, so we have similarities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2022
Cute story friendship
September 7, 2023
Cute read with Tatum.
November 26, 2023
I really liked the meaning behind being nice to those around you and how that could lead to good friendships.
June 10, 2025
I was sent by accident. I really loved this book. Quick read. Great stories. I highly recommend.
August 6, 2025
This is a cute installment where Harry does his best to not be horrible.
May 10, 2014
The story is basically about Harry who has come to fall in love with a new student in the class called Song Lee. Harry likes anything that is slimy things such creep things. He has a horrible best friend called Doug. When Song Lee comes to the classroom, she also brings with her an animal friend called Bong. The story also involves with Harry who passes a love note to Song in the class. Everyone knows about Harry who is falling in love with Song. Later Harry finally hears an answer whether or not Song likes him too. Later on the story, Harry starts to act kind of weird. All his friends think that there is something wrong with him. They all believe that Harry must have stolen something and that it makes him look weird than ever. This has become his secret that everyone wants to know about. The truth is that Harry has lost his two front teeth. When his friends find out the truth, they all get excited and have a good time with Harry again.
This book is categorized in the contemporary fiction genre because it portrays imaginary characters and situations that depict our world and society. It portrays characters that can actually really happen in real life. Many young children nowadays have crush like just Harry. It is a hard situation that sometimes they have to deal with. There are peer pressures at school that can also influence young children to feel uncomfortable in front of everyone as well. Young children have secrets that sometimes only their best friends only know about. I think that this story is a well read aloud or small group guided reading for young children.
This book is great for small guided reading group. I have seen the Title I teacher in my school that used this book with her students. She only has about 5 or 6 students every day. She had her students read aloud one by one. She asked them comprehension questions after each reading. They also got to answer some comprehension questions at the end of each chapter as well.
March 4, 2014
I like this book for two reasons: 1) Watching the school kids read it and their reactions to everyday things that happen. 2) The interesting discussions we have afterwards. For instance, Harry has been asked by Song Lee to not fight with Sidney for any reason. Twice this year I have stopped at the end of the chapter and asked a 3rd grade group of boys & girls and 4th grade group of boys and girls the same question and the results were exactly the same: (I always ask the girls first) "Is there EVER a reason to fight? EVER?" The girls always, ALWAYS nod their pretty little heads and answer, "Noooo. Never." Then I turn to the boys and ask the same question but just a tad differently, "Is there ever a reason when you just have to knock someone's block off?" They will always, always answer the same, "Yes! Of course!"
Then we move on.
One group of 4th graders asked me, "Well, what's the right answer to the question?" I just say, "That's not for me to decide."
You're not getting me into trouble! But I think it's very interesting the way boys and girls seem to be programmed differently, don't you?
Then we move on.
One group of 4th graders asked me, "Well, what's the right answer to the question?" I just say, "That's not for me to decide."
You're not getting me into trouble! But I think it's very interesting the way boys and girls seem to be programmed differently, don't you?
July 20, 2015
This is the eleventh book in the Horrible Harry series by Suzy Kline and Frank Remkiewicz.
We've already read a few of these stories (out of order) and found them to be funny, short, and entertaining. So we decided to start reading the series from the beginning.
This story shows Harry's more tender side (completely horrible from his friend Doug's perspective) and his crush on a classmate. The lengths to which Harry will go to please his true love are humorous and entertaining. We enjoyed reading this story and I expect we'll be visiting with Horrible Harry again very soon.
We've already read a few of these stories (out of order) and found them to be funny, short, and entertaining. So we decided to start reading the series from the beginning.
This story shows Harry's more tender side (completely horrible from his friend Doug's perspective) and his crush on a classmate. The lengths to which Harry will go to please his true love are humorous and entertaining. We enjoyed reading this story and I expect we'll be visiting with Horrible Harry again very soon.
June 21, 2012
the thing that i think is that harry is in love with with song lee rings in her water fand it happens when song leebrog and harry falls in love and harry best friend doug can't stand all off the mush and harry keeps sentindg her notes saying do yu like me and he sent her a note saying do yu like mw A.a little B.some C.a lot D.none of above. song lee said i will like yu if yu don't fight anyone and if yu do i will not like yu anymore. HARRY WAS WRITING NOTES AND PUTTING IT ON SONG LEE DESK AND HE PUT A GIFT ON HER DESK AND IT WAS A RED FOIL ANDHARRY FOUND MONEY AND HIS FRIENDS THINK HE STOLE IT AND SONG LEE SAID THE LETTER THAT HE WROTE SHE PICK C I LIKE YU A LOT. AT THE END EVERYTHING GOSE BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS BUT HARRY STILL LIKE SONG LEE
August 1, 2016
Horrible Harry is such a typical six year old. Or, as described by his friend: "Harry loves slimy things, hairy things, and creepy things. Harry loves anything horrible. I know -- I'm his best friend Doug." So, horrible indeed, but I think there are worse books that my son could be reading than the books about Horrible Harry. They're at times sweet, human, sincere tales of friendship. This one is probably my favorite so far. "So, what was Horrible Harry's secret then?", I asked my son as he closed the book.
February 18, 2013
Horrible Harry's Secret is the story of a young boy who has a crush on a little girl named Song Lee. He falls for her when she brings a frog to class. The story is told from his friends perspective and tells the tale of how boys change for girls when they fall for them. Song Lee asks Harry to be nice and no longer fight with his enemy, which he does. Everyone believes there is something wrong with horrible Harry because Harry isn't being horrible. Fact is, he's just in puppy love.
This is a great story to read out loud to your students during/around Valentines day. It can be interactive and can have your students guessing about what horrible Harry is up to.
This is a great story to read out loud to your students during/around Valentines day. It can be interactive and can have your students guessing about what horrible Harry is up to.
February 11, 2016
I thought this book was alright. At first, I was confused as to who was narrating the story. I assumed since the book was about Harry it would be in his point of view but it was actually in his friend Doug's point of view. I liked that the book covered a few different themes-- love, bullying, getting along with people you don't like. It also covered serious topics like death, divorce, feeling insecure. I think this would be a good book for second to fourth graders. I feel like boys make enjoy this book more since it is from a boys perspective and focuses more on things boys typically enjoy.
June 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this cute little story of Harry's first crush. I think it is a great story for the transitional reader because the story line doesn't get overly complicated, the vocabulary is simple, and the I think the characters are relatable in all of the scenarios. I like the social aspect of some light bullying and advocacy, as well as the boy/girl dynamic. I think it is light-hearted and fun. I highly recommend it for boys or girls.
August 18, 2011
this book is about harry that like someone.that person is song lee. she is in his class.harry start writing note to her. some of the note ask her if she like him .some time she would write back to him.one day he made her a gift .it was a necklace.at the end she told her that she like him.i like the book that why i want you to read it and tell me if you like it.
April 30, 2012
The Horrible Harry books are good transitional chapter books for beginning readers of chapter books. Horrible Harry is a young boy who, in this book, has a secret. The book goes through his trouble of keeping the secret from his classmates at school.
July 11, 2016
this is the book that sets up harry and his crush. the secret is so stupid. basically, he lost his teeth. what kid is ashamed of that? most kids are proud. I like that the girl makes him get along with Sidney, who is a jerk.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews