Horrible Harry Cracks the Code

Horrible Harry #21

by Suzy Kline, Frank Remkiewicz (Illustrations)

Horrible Harry thinks he’s the world’s second-best detective (second to Sherlock Holmes, of course), but the rest of the kids in Room 3B aren’t as sure. So he’s determined to prove himself by solving the latest mystery at South School: a cafeteria contest has just begun, and Harry wants to figure out how to win it. He knows Mrs. Funderburke is using a mathematical code to decide each day’s winners, but can he crack the code before Mary tattles on him? Or will his private-eye days come to a horrible end?

Genres: Fiction, Chapter Books, Childrens, Mystery, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Humor

80 pages, Hardcover

First published May 17, 2007

About the author

Suzy 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.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed in with the fun is some fascinating actual 3rd-grade, and college, academic stuff. I highly recommend this one, despite a small spoiler for the previous couple of books.

[A_Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrible Harry believes Sherlock Holmes is the world’s best detective. He believes he is the world’s second best detective. Harry’s classmates are not so sure of this. At lunch one day, the lunch lady, Mrs. Funderburke announces a new contest. One lunch tray per day will have a sticker on it and the student who gets the lucky tray will win a prize. Mrs. Funderburke is using a mathematical sequence and gives the students the first four numbers in the sequence. After the first day and filling in the next number in the sequence, Harry solves the “Fibonacci” code and correctly predicts the next winner in the lunch line. Horrible Harry’s classmates are still unsure of Harry’s skills until Harry correctly predicts who the next lucky winner will be.
The black and white illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz are appropriately placed throughout the story to support the text and provide visual support for emergent readers.
Great book to use for readers who are ready for a chapter book. A good book to use across the curriculum in Math.
Ages 7 and up
Puffin Books-2007

[Katie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry likes to think of himself as the second-best detective in the world. After suffering a setback in his ability to be right, Harry is determined to make a comeback. Whenever the lunchroom manager comes into his classroom to announce a giveaway, he immediately sees his opportunity. The student who gets a tray with an orange star sticker under their milk carton, which is based on a number she learned in a college class, receives the prize. Harry "cracks the code" and learns that winning isn't always about getting a prize.
I would use this book in my classroom to discuss the fibonacci sequence and also positive ways to be a "winner."

[paige turner ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the books in the Horrible Harry series since I was a kid. Now I get to read them to my kids, and they love them just as much.

Harry isn't a horrible person; he seems to like things that are more gross than horrible. He's mischievous, but I don't think that makes a person horrible either.

He's also a smart kid. He learned something (that was in a different book), and he used what he remembered to crack the code for a surprise the lunch lady created for some fun. I think he was a pretty good detective if I do say so myself.

Mary was slightly annoying, as she always is, and I think it's nice that Harry had a chance to put her in her place. I don't know why she had to ruin the whole thing about how he figured out the sequence. Maybe she was just jealous because he wouldn't tell her.

But I do like what Doug said. He said that Harry didn't need to use the information that he acquired for his gain since figuring out the whole thing made him feel like a winner.

Love it.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrible Harry Cracks the Code by Suzy Kline and illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz tells the story of Harry who tries to crack the code of the lucky lunch tray numbers by using the Fibonacci sequence. The few illustrations are simple black ink drawings of the characters and objects from the story. This book is intended for middle elementary students (2nd or 3rd grade) with simple vocab and sentences and short chapters.

[Vanessa Becerra]

Horrible Harry thinks he's the worlds best detective but the rest of the kids in room 3D don't agree. He agrees to solve the latest mystery at the south school cafeteria. I would create a mystery for the class.

[Whole And · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun way to learn the basics of the Fibonacci 'secret code' as Harry breaks the code of who will get the lunch time prize next.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this early chapter book has a mystery that is clever enough to engage the really bright, young readers. Sometimes they are difficult to engage with if the story is too cute or sweet.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun how this brings back Harry knowing the Fibonacci sequence from earlier books.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another interesting story in the Horrible Harry series by Suzy Kline and Frank Remkiewicz. We've read several of the books in this series and found them to be funny, short, and entertaining.

I love that this book introduces children to the Fibonacci sequence of numbers. The explanation is interesting and is woven so neatly into the story that children might not even notice that they are learning something new! I also like that Harry figures out the sequence, but does not use this knowledge to get himself a prize.

We really enjoyed reading this book together and will be sure to read more of the books in this series soon.

[Melissa Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry acts as a detective througout the book to tyr and solve the math mystery of who will win the contest before he gets tattled on. I liked this story. If these stories were around when I was in gradeschhol,I would have loved to read them. I like books about adeventure and thrill and this book definateley keeps you guessing throughout. It is filled with suspence. It would be a great read for grades 3-6.

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horrible Harry is determined to be the best detective. Harry has decided to try and figure out the mathematical code so he can win the contest in the cafeteria. I would use this book in the classroom to show Harry's determination and adventures.

[Ratforcekids]

Horrible Harry is another popular series. The books are written from an elementary school-aged kid's perspective. Readers relate well to the happenings and will look forward to reading more of the books. These books are available in downloadable audio from our website,

[Marlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was simple, yet fun. I loved the math it included, because it was interesting for my children to try to figure out the Fibonacci sequence. My children found the first chapter to be funny. They have enjoyed all of the books we've read it this series so far. They are very easy to read.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic way to teach students about the Fibonacci Sequence!

[Minjun · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boo

[Katt Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Any book that teaches the Fibonacci Sequence to 7 year olds is just awesome.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked it because it was more like a mystety.

[Anya Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

It is a short story but has a fun story line to it.
I would recommend this to any one.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good easy reader chapter book. Grade 1/2. Some math content, not much.

[Superreader200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrible Harry has a ketchup war with Sydney, and Mary always tattles on Harry.

[Kailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Melissa Namba · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good intro to the fibonacci sequence. the kids are pretty mean and are borderline bullies.shows how times have changed. kids will enjoy this.

[Candi Olsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

My 4 year old gives it 4 stars.

[Grrrr]

I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooed it.