Horrible Harry Moves Up to Third Grade

Horrible Harry #10

by Suzy Kline

Harry and Doug can't wait to start third grade. But when they get to school, so many things have changed that they feel like they're on Mars. At least two things remain the Harry is still gross, and Sidney is still his sworn enemy. So when Sidney kills Harry's spider, you can bet that Harry will get revenge.

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

58 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

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

[Megan Cureton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug is entering the third grade with his best friend Harry. On the first day of class, the students had to bring in a summer memento to class. Doug brought in rocks he got from the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine over the summer, Harry brought a picture of himself in the elevator ride of The Drop of Doom at Mountainside Park, and another classmate, named Sidney, that Harry really didn't care for, brought in a burnt hotdog from a grill out he had one day with his family. The following day, Harry brought in a spider he was keeping as a pet and he escaped from the shoe box and Sidney smashed it because he was scared it was going to bite him. Harry knew he was going to get revenge. Their teacher, Miss Mackle scheduled a field trip to go to the mine where Doug went in the summer, except for the fact that Doug really didn't go down in it. He needed Harry's help to overcome being scared and Harry ended up getting his revenge on Sidney by stealing his burnt hotdog. In the end, they couldn't find Sidney and when he finally appeared, Harry hugged him and they made up, he was glad he wasn't missing. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the humor in it was awesome and it kept me laughing from the hilarious pranks the young school boys were pulling on each other. I liked these pranks because it made me remember the silly things me and my friends used to do to each other when we were younger to tease each other. I would have this book in a third and fourth grade classroom library. I think the students would love reading about other students that are their age and are experiencing the same things they are. I also think that this book is good for young readers because there is some challenging vocabulary words and this challenges readers. I also think that this story is good to show that just because someone teases you or you tease them, you should always still care for that person's feelings and worry about them if they are every hurt or lost. Like in the story, even though Harry and Sidney tease each other, they made up in the end of the story and Harry still showed that he cared for Sidney. I think the students would enjoy the humor in this story and will want to keep reading until they have reached the end.

[Natasha Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Was everything going to change in third grade”? (pg.11) Horrible Harry Moves up to Third Grade is book ten in the Horrible Harry series. The story is told from the perspective of Doug who is Harry’s best friend. After surviving the second grade together, Doug is both nervous and excited about what third grade would bring. Having the same awesome teacher from last year helped ease some of those transition nerves.

A few things are different in the third grade, but one thing that hadn't changed was Harry and his rivalry with Sidney. The first assignment of the third grade called for a bit of a show and tell. Harry decided to one up everyone's show and tell the next day and bring in a spider from his bathtub. Well, Sidney decided to “accidentally” kill the spider sparking Harry’s horribly awesome revenge.

I give Horrible Harry 2 stars because the story was a little rushed and boring. In about 60 pages we skip from the first day all the way to the first class field trip. It is hard to believe that other crazy events didn’t take place. Also I didn’t like the fact that the teacher allowed these boys to be so mischievous and nasty to each other without stepping in to mediate. However I did appreciate the accurate portrayal of a group of third graders. I currently work at a school during their after school time and get to work with kids of varying grades. The boys I work with are all about one ups and “roasting”. You also have your extremely inquisitive children like Mary in Horrible Harry, but this trait is seen in more than just the girls.

I don’t see the Horrible Harry books being part of my future class library. The resolution at the end was rushed and I do not wish to have children read a book about boys pranking each other. This might inspire them to reenact what happened and justify it with this book.

[Jennykelley Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I like the illustrator." Quan "I like the part when harry stole the burnt wiener!" Chris

[paige turner ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember when I was a kid, my parents bought me the Horrible Harry books from a Scholastic book order, and I remember getting this book when I started third grade. It's one of the books that had stuck with me when I was a kid, I loved them so much, not as much as R.L. Stine, but they're up there in my fond childhood memories.

Anyway, I thought this one was interesting. It seems like these kids learn about something cool every book that I pick up. You learn a few little facts, and it makes you want to know more about the things they were studying, which is great for kids who ask a lot of questions and find an interest in everything.

I love the friendship between Doug and Harry; I think it's great how they don't judge each other and are there to support one another no matter what the situation is, even the embarrassing ones.

A side note--this is the second time Sidney went missing for a short period, I think they need to watch that kid like a hawk!

[Pooja Banga · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not as good as others in the series ..It depends on you whether you can adjust to this book also .
Storyline-Third grade brings lots of surprises, but one thing hasn't changed a bit--Harry and Sidney are still sworn enemies. And their relationship only gets worse when Sidney accidentally kills Harry's pet spider. But Harry comes up with a horribly funny way to get revenge during a class trip to a creepy copper mine.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horrible Harry, and his classmates start 3rd grade, and their classroom is located on the 3rd floor in room 3B. Doug, Harry's best friend, tells how the class went on a field trip in an old copper mine that was also used as a prison to look and study about rocks. Doug is scared to enter the mine, but Harry provides him moral support. Doug shares about all of the changes from 2nd to 3rd grade, and how some things remain the same.

[SEAL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry and Sidney are not friends. Doug is scared of the copper mine. They both are in third grade. Harry and Doug moved to third grade. They have the same teacher, the same classmates, and everything else was the same as before. Harry and Sidney are rivals. Sidney will do or say something stupid or bad, and Harry will get revenge. One time, Sidney teased Harry and Harry got revenge. The class also visited the copper mine. Doug made it out of the mine and he was glad to see the sun and grass again.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd've liked this better if the focus were on the changes to a new classroom, but instead it's about courage in general... including the courage to create a change in how you relate to your classmates. I'm not sure it's any more advanced than the 2B stories, though.

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.

[Addy Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's back to school time, and Harry and Doug can't wait to start third grade. But when they get to school, so many things have changed that they feel like they are on mars. At least two things remained the same, Harry is still gross, and Sidney is still his sworn enemy. So when Sidney kills Harrys pet spider. Harry wants revenge.

[Emily Farquhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this series, we learn that Harry and Sidney are enemies, in this book it is no different. Their relationship plummets as Sidney kills his bet spider, Harry decided to place revenge when on a school field trip.

F&P: M
AR: 2.7

Six Traits:
Organization, sentence fluency, idea

[Joy Keil · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Violeta · Rating 3 out of 5]

*my brother chose this book to be this weeks bedtime reading, so why not read it along with him, right*

[Jc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Harry and learning how to forgive.

[Dayna · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I like how the bullying is resolved in the end, I don’t like books that use the words: God, dumb, and stupid- especially children’s book.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horrible Harry is delightful.

[Troy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun easy read for a 3rd grader. Deals with fear and friendship.

[Ted Parkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it but the story made some kids cry 😢 so I really don't know what to say ...... You are going to North Korea 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[Dope Ghost Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to read this all the time as a kid. It still slaps in spurts. The whole point of the book is accepting change and understanding growth. Great for children!

[Ashley Clapper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Students loved it that’s all that matters! 🤣

[Candace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this to my second grade class during the last quarter of school. Super cute book and my class loved it!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Harry/Sidney revenge plot where, of course, Harry gets the last word.

[Savani · Rating 2 out of 5]

Following Harry and the gang into third grade. It’s so weird to think about but it does help students deal with changes, especially within a year.

[Paul W Zoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

I liked it because it had a mine it was mysterious scary just kind of end it was really cool bye!

[Story enthusiast (●´⌓`●) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read. We follow Doug and his friend Harry as they are entering into the third grade. Recommend if you want to read something easy and quick pace.

[Ashley Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by this author, but I cannot wait to read more! The author appeals to the reader's inner child, bringing up some everyday issues elementary students face, with a fun and exaggerated twist.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book is both easy and fun to read, I found the story plot to be a bit boring. I thought the events that unfolded were not the most exciting, and overall coordinated very little with the plot of the book. However, I remember reading this book when I was a child, and loving the adventures that Harry and Doug would embark upon. The simple diction and word choice within the book as well as the relatable events that the two boys endure create a story that captivates beginning readers. I will say that the illustrations add a lot in the way of excitement and humor to the book as well, and it is not hard to understand why young children enjoy viewing the pictures on each page. Overall, I would definitely say that this book is directed to and for younger children, and is a great choice for a classroom filled with beginning readers.

[Sally Staples · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to read at the beginning of the year to third graders. This is about students who are in a class that loops from 2nd to 3rd, but everything in the school looks different (classes have moved, staff are married, new teachers, etc.). Harry brings a pet spider to school, but his Sidney kills it when it gets out of the box. The story is funny and 3rd graders will get interested in reading the Horrible Harry series.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an okay read for me. I can see why children enjoy reading this series. The illustrations are a wonderful addition to the story. It was a little boring for me, but would be a great mentor text for children to show how all kids have a fear of some kind, and that we can survive those fears. I would include this series in my own library, and recommend it to the students in my classroom.

[Marlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find this book to be as interesting as some other books in this series. However, my children, ages 9 and 6, both really enjoyed this. They found it to be quite exciting and were even worried by some of the chapter titles. My children aren't in school, but for children starting a new grade, this book may be helpful and reassuring.

[Kirstyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been told to read the Horrible Harry series, by second graders, because they are great. I can see why! It's a quick read and I think kids would really enjoy the books. I will be checking other books in the series out =)