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Just Harriet #1
Just Harriet
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 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.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
49 people are currently reading
3436 people want to read
About the author
Elana K. Arnold
34 books1,081 followersELANA K. ARNOLD writes books for and about children and teens. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing/Fiction from the University of California, Davis where she has taught Creative Writing and Adolescent Literature. Her most recent YA novel, DAMSEL, is a Printz Honor book, Her 2017 novel, WHAT GIRLS ARE MADE OF, was a finalist for the National Book Award, and her middle grade novel, A BOY CALLED BAT, is a Junior Library Guild Selection. A parent and educator living in Huntington Beach, California, Elana is a frequent speaker at schools, libraries, and writers’ conferences. Currently, Elana is the caretaker of seven pets, only three of which have fur. Sign up for her newsletter here: https://elanakarnold.us10.list-manage...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews
January 25, 2022
Move over Clementine, Judy Moody, and Just Grace. Harriet Wermer and her cat Matzah Ball are joining you on that early middle grade stage. With charming illustrations and an air of mystery, we get to know Harriet as she spends the summer on Marble Island with Nanu. Harriet (yes, she is named after Harriet the Spy) is not thrilled about being alone at Nanu's all summer. The new baby in her family is not even born yet and too many things are changing. That can make a girl a bit of a cranky Hank. Why, she wonders, is it harder to say things that are true (like I miss you) than it is to make things up (that wasn't me who put dish soap in the washing machine)? Just like Moneypenny, Nanu's bassett hound, needs to adjust to having Matzah Ball around; Harriet begins to adjust to summer on the island. Along the way she helps Nanu with her Bric a Brac B&B and finds a mystery to solve. This is a heartwarming read for kids who are graduating from chapter books. It sounds like it might be the start of the series. Can't wait to see what Harriet does next.
Thank you to Walden Pond Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Walden Pond Press and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2022
What a heartwarming, charming story with an air of mystery! I loved the writing & the story so much. I have to say I didn’t like Harriet for the most part, but that makes sense with me lol The way I was raised the lying & sass would NOT have flown lol. So as an adult, that might be why kids that behave certain ways annoy me(in books & in real life). But she IS a character that could be very relatable to many kids. The reasons why she lies, & why she says the harsh things she does(which she herself sometimes even has trouble understanding both)are very real believable issues. She is the cutest thing though, with her overalls, & old suitcase. Her cat Matzo Ball & her Nanu’s dog Moneypenny are just the best lol Loved them. Her Nanu was the best though. What a great grandmother. SO atmospheric, between this little island town off of California, & this AMAZING B&B setting-phenomenal! Then the mystery type element in here was just great. What Harriet learned along the way, & the connection to her Dad was truly beautiful. STUNNING cover front & back, & so many beautiful illustrations throughout by Dung Ho too. Early MG, & this might be a perfect book for readers trying to go from chapter books to MG novels.💜
January 17, 2022
What a wonderful, charming book! I loved Harriet so much. She was authentic and funny and so, so relatable.
This would be a great read aloud for teachers.
<3
This would be a great read aloud for teachers.
<3
November 9, 2021
This is a very light and fluffy read for young readers that preaches the ol' proverbial lesson, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." I'm giving it two stars because the story is just...how do I put it? Forgettable is a good word. There wasn't anything whimsical or heavy-hitting in this book, nothing like what you'll read in Kate DiCamillo's stories of love, loss and self-discovery. This is just a simple story about a very pampered little girl who must deal with spending a few weeks at her grandmother's adorable B&B on a tranquil little touristy island. Oh the misery! Yes, yes, I know Harriet is very young, so we should give her some space for her temper tantrums, but she's not a lot of fun to be around, and I felt quite sorry for her overly coddling grandmother who was bending herself backward just to keep things pleasant. Sorry, I just couldn't relate to Harriet's plight, but I'm sure modern-day kiddos living in the upper-echelons of society would disagree.
I don't know...I guess I was just expecting more because there are some truly poignant--magical even--middle grade books that stick with me long after I read them. I was hoping the basset hound and the orange tabby cat would have larger roles in this story, but nah. I suppose this would be a good bedtime story books for parents to read to their restless kiddos. It certainly had me nodding off a time or two. Meh.
I don't know...I guess I was just expecting more because there are some truly poignant--magical even--middle grade books that stick with me long after I read them. I was hoping the basset hound and the orange tabby cat would have larger roles in this story, but nah. I suppose this would be a good bedtime story books for parents to read to their restless kiddos. It certainly had me nodding off a time or two. Meh.
April 28, 2023
3.75 stars, delightful mystery. When Harriet is sent to live with her grandmother for the summer, she finds a mysterious key. Can she find out what the key opens? Could the key have belonged to her father?
If you like summer vacation stories, give this summertime mystery a try.
If you like summer vacation stories, give this summertime mystery a try.
March 27, 2022
Some reviews compare this to the Clementine series but I think this one would suit a slightly older reader. Just Harriet is a gentle mystery with a lovable young girl as the main character.
February 4, 2022
Just Harriet is a charming, engaging chapter book/young middle grade book with a memorable, relatable protagonist. Filled with sweet illustrations and set in a small island town, this story will appeal to fans of stories set in motels/B&B’s, lovers of animal stories, and readers who enjoy stories with strong grandparent bonds. Finally, this is definitely another pick for kids who love Ramona Quimby!
Read my full review on the blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on the blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2022
When I first read the Bat books by Elana K. Arnold, I was so happy with the new edition to the reading ladder between early chapter books and solid middle grade, and Just Harriet fits solidly in there as well. Harriet is going to be loved the way that Ramona was loved by readers of the past (like me!). She is a bit sassy, super smart, quick witted, and full of curiosity. And her supporting cast of characters fill the background with joy -from her grandma, Nanu, to the owners of the ice cream parlor, Hans & Gretchen. Then add in the very special setting of Marble Island, and you have a special book that is going to find a bunch of happy readers! I can’t wait for more Harriet in the future.
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2...
Full review with teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2...
July 20, 2021
EARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Harriet is sent to her Grandmother’s house for the summer, and she is not at all pleased. She is such a relatable character from the first page, readers will love following along with her island adventures. This is a great choice for young advanced readers, and I hope more Harriet stories are “in the works”.
Harriet is sent to her Grandmother’s house for the summer, and she is not at all pleased. She is such a relatable character from the first page, readers will love following along with her island adventures. This is a great choice for young advanced readers, and I hope more Harriet stories are “in the works”.
July 19, 2022
Harriet is a spunky, sometimes mischievous, third grader sent to spend the summer at her Nanu’s while her mother is on pregnancy bed rest. She finds a mysterious key, which leads to a search of herself and her father’s boyhood. Cute and fun as Harriet’s moods are very realistic. Why surprises me is this author’s range of creativity: from cringy feminist YA to stories about Harriet, Starla Jean, and Bat.
March 22, 2022
Harriet is a fun character and I hope we see her in more books!
Fantastic and fun setting!
Fantastic and fun setting!
July 25, 2022
A cute story about a young girl sent unexpectedly to grandma’s bed-and-breakfast when her pregnant mother ends on bed rest. Harriet has trouble dealing with big emotions and can be rude toward adults but they give her space and she reflects and changes. She has an adventure figuring out a treasure she finds. She discovers from others her dad was socially awkward like her and picked on. This is a quick read good for grades 2-4.
December 18, 2023
Couldn’t get into it. The main character seemed so bratty. There’s a lot of lying and no redemption.
October 25, 2021
Situation, Not Story
While reading JUST HARRIET, I couldn’t help but thinking of an old writing professor’s constant critique, “you have a situation here, not a story.” A little girl goes to stay with her grandmother on an island for the summer while her mother is sick. A great premise, but it just doesn’t get much farther. Each time a plot appeared to be forming, it would be ended and resolved just a few pages later. It’s hard to invest in a story if there doesn’t seem to be one!
While reading JUST HARRIET, I couldn’t help but thinking of an old writing professor’s constant critique, “you have a situation here, not a story.” A little girl goes to stay with her grandmother on an island for the summer while her mother is sick. A great premise, but it just doesn’t get much farther. Each time a plot appeared to be forming, it would be ended and resolved just a few pages later. It’s hard to invest in a story if there doesn’t seem to be one!
January 17, 2022
3 stars
Once readers meet Harriet, they, too, see the irony in this title. There's nothing simple about this character; she is A LOT. This is why it's understandable that at the very start of the novel, when her parents learn that mom has to go on bed rest for the next two months (the duration of her pregnancy and the bulk of Harriet's summer break), no one can blame them for shipping Harriet and her cat off to stay with her grandmother. This is where the fun begins.
Harriet is dealing with a lot of sadness throughout the novel: missing her parents, feeling bitter about having to leave home temporarily and about the impending arrival of the baby (who wasn't supposed to change anything!), and experiencing general kid feelings. Readers of all ages will notice that Harriet interacts with these feelings in different ways (and most are not too productive).
The "Just" part does come into play, unfortunately, in the sense that the development feels so limited. There's promise: an exciting mystery object, fun characters who reveal that they knew her dad as a kid, and a new location to explore with her cat and her grandmother's dog. However, none of these characters or leads really evolves into anything too gripping. In fact, when I got to the end of the book, I turned the page and audibly said, "What?!" thinking something was wrong with the file. I really enjoy this writer, including her most recent preceding middle grade book, so I am a bit surprised to find this one stopping short.
Though I do think young readers will enjoy this, and I will continue to devour this author's works, this one wasn't the most memorable for me.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Walden Pond Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Once readers meet Harriet, they, too, see the irony in this title. There's nothing simple about this character; she is A LOT. This is why it's understandable that at the very start of the novel, when her parents learn that mom has to go on bed rest for the next two months (the duration of her pregnancy and the bulk of Harriet's summer break), no one can blame them for shipping Harriet and her cat off to stay with her grandmother. This is where the fun begins.
Harriet is dealing with a lot of sadness throughout the novel: missing her parents, feeling bitter about having to leave home temporarily and about the impending arrival of the baby (who wasn't supposed to change anything!), and experiencing general kid feelings. Readers of all ages will notice that Harriet interacts with these feelings in different ways (and most are not too productive).
The "Just" part does come into play, unfortunately, in the sense that the development feels so limited. There's promise: an exciting mystery object, fun characters who reveal that they knew her dad as a kid, and a new location to explore with her cat and her grandmother's dog. However, none of these characters or leads really evolves into anything too gripping. In fact, when I got to the end of the book, I turned the page and audibly said, "What?!" thinking something was wrong with the file. I really enjoy this writer, including her most recent preceding middle grade book, so I am a bit surprised to find this one stopping short.
Though I do think young readers will enjoy this, and I will continue to devour this author's works, this one wasn't the most memorable for me.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Walden Pond Press for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
October 18, 2022
First sentence: My name is Harriet Wermer. There are some things you should know about me before I tell you everything else. Let's start with the worst things first. Sometimes I lie. I don't know why I lie, and it's usually about dumb things that people figure out right away, or really soon.
Premise/plot: Harriet's summer doesn't go according to her plan. [Well, her parents' plans either if you think about it]. Her mom--who is pregnant--is put on bed rest. Harriet [and her cat Matzo Ball] are sent to live with her grandmother [nanu] who owns a bed and breakfast [and a dog]. Harriet normally loves, loves, loves to spend time visiting her nanu on the island. But not for the whole summer, not in this way with her mother being sick and her father being worried. But sometimes what you DON'T WANT is exactly what you need. There is a light mystery in this coming of age novel starring a soon-to-be fourth grader.
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Just Harriet. I loved Moneypenny [the dog] and Matzo Ball [the cat]. I enjoyed the special relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. I liked seeing Harriet explore the island and work on a little light mystery. Harriet is really taking the time to consider what her father's childhood on the island was like. [Which I appreciated.] It was a good read.
Premise/plot: Harriet's summer doesn't go according to her plan. [Well, her parents' plans either if you think about it]. Her mom--who is pregnant--is put on bed rest. Harriet [and her cat Matzo Ball] are sent to live with her grandmother [nanu] who owns a bed and breakfast [and a dog]. Harriet normally loves, loves, loves to spend time visiting her nanu on the island. But not for the whole summer, not in this way with her mother being sick and her father being worried. But sometimes what you DON'T WANT is exactly what you need. There is a light mystery in this coming of age novel starring a soon-to-be fourth grader.
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed Just Harriet. I loved Moneypenny [the dog] and Matzo Ball [the cat]. I enjoyed the special relationship between grandmother and granddaughter. I liked seeing Harriet explore the island and work on a little light mystery. Harriet is really taking the time to consider what her father's childhood on the island was like. [Which I appreciated.] It was a good read.
February 21, 2022
Overall, I thought this was a cute story. The audiobook was really well done. I loved the narrator. I also really liked the pictures in the story. It have me mega Junie B. Jones vibes. I picked this book up off a whim from my library app because I wanted a quick read... this still took me a week to read LOL.
>For a middle grade novel, I thought it well done and thought out. The main character seemed pretty realistic for a child, but I also found her to be super spoiled and it drove me bonkers. I think it's because if I acted the way Harriet did when I was a child, my parents wouldn't put up with it.
It was a lighthearted read. It might be good for kids to read but I don't think I'd recommend it for young adults or adults that are looking for a book to escape reality for a bit.
>For a middle grade novel, I thought it well done and thought out. The main character seemed pretty realistic for a child, but I also found her to be super spoiled and it drove me bonkers. I think it's because if I acted the way Harriet did when I was a child, my parents wouldn't put up with it.
It was a lighthearted read. It might be good for kids to read but I don't think I'd recommend it for young adults or adults that are looking for a book to escape reality for a bit.
February 23, 2023
I would’ve loved this book as and 8 or 9 year old girl, just as much as I do now. I’m not sure why it resonated so much with me. Maybe it’s the California setting—I couldn’t help thinking of Marble Island as Catalina—or the spunky, slightly mischievous Harriet that brought my childhood rushing back to me. The perfect book for younger middle grade readers 3rd and 4th grade. Perhaps not enough intrigue for older readers, but for me, it was exactly right.
October 23, 2023
The setting of this one- a fictional Marble Island off the coast of California is fantastic. I wanted to explore there myself. Harriet felt a little overdone to me. While she acknowledges her flaws & calls herself on her mistakes, I think if I met her in real life I wouldn't want to be around her. I've heard the 2nd book is even better so I'll giver her another shot.
June 20, 2022
A young girl named Harriet has to stay with her grandmother in her tiny island home while her mother is on bed rest. A simple, cute, short enough children's chapter book about family, relationships, and new babies.
December 20, 2023
Loved this book! It was the first book that was part of my journey to read more juvenile fiction in my library, and I know it was recommended a lot. It was sweet, fun to read, and just overall a cute "coming of age" style book. Will definitely recommend to my patrons!
Read
July 2, 2025Such a sweet middle grade read. I have a few students in mind who would love this adventurous summer mystery title. Nice integration of social emotional themes in a very natural way. My favorite character was the cat named Matzo Ball.
August 1, 2023
Cute setting but I had a hard time liking Harriet. I found her to be spoiled and rude for the majority of the book.
June 15, 2022
Harriet learns a lot about family and love when she spends time with her grandma on Marble Island while her mom is on pregnancy-related bedrest. For a little girl who has just finished 3rd grade, she makes incredible progress on growing up.
Special kudos to Moneypenny and Matzo Ball.
Special kudos to Moneypenny and Matzo Ball.
April 16, 2025
A heartwarming, fun read with my girls.
April 20, 2025
Super cute book and the boys loved it!
December 13, 2023
My nine year old and I discovered Elana Arnold this summer and we absolutely adore her books! They are so fun!
September 10, 2021
Just Harriet
by Elana K. Arnold
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
HarperCollins Children's Books, Walden Pond Press
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Just Harriet through HarperCollins Children’s Books, Walden Pond Press and Netgalley:
There are some things you should know about Harriet Wermer: She just finished third grade, she has a perfect cat named Matzo Ball. Harriet 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. Maybe the last part isn’t the full truth.
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. What Harriet doesn’t like is her Father made the decision without even asking her about it.
When Harriet arrives on Marble Island, she discovers it is full of surprise 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.
I give Just Harriet five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Elana K. Arnold
Pub Date 01 Feb 2022
HarperCollins Children's Books, Walden Pond Press
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Just Harriet through HarperCollins Children’s Books, Walden Pond Press and Netgalley:
There are some things you should know about Harriet Wermer: She just finished third grade, she has a perfect cat named Matzo Ball. Harriet 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. Maybe the last part isn’t the full truth.
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. What Harriet doesn’t like is her Father made the decision without even asking her about it.
When Harriet arrives on Marble Island, she discovers it is full of surprise 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.
I give Just Harriet five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
June 29, 2023
I read this aloud to my six (almost seven!) year old daughter. It was a cute story, albeit a little forgettable. I liked how the book gently discussed things like homesickness and big life changes, letting young readers know that they aren't the only ones trying to manage complex emotions. I liked how the author didn't shy away from tough, but realistic, scenarios like a pregnant mom who has to be on bed rest for months.
I will say that I found Harriet a slightly irritating protagonist. Her habit of lying was bothersome, as it never seemed to be addressed by any of the adults and she faced no consequences for the lies she told - it just seemed like an odd element to incorporate into the story. I also felt the pacing of the story seemed a little off. Some chapters were downright boring and the "mystery" was dragged out and ended up being completely underwhelming. The illustrations throughout were adorable, though.
My daughter enjoyed the book, but didn't seem overly keen to pick up the next one in the series.
Overall, a 3 star read.
I will say that I found Harriet a slightly irritating protagonist. Her habit of lying was bothersome, as it never seemed to be addressed by any of the adults and she faced no consequences for the lies she told - it just seemed like an odd element to incorporate into the story. I also felt the pacing of the story seemed a little off. Some chapters were downright boring and the "mystery" was dragged out and ended up being completely underwhelming. The illustrations throughout were adorable, though.
My daughter enjoyed the book, but didn't seem overly keen to pick up the next one in the series.
Overall, a 3 star read.
November 11, 2022
JUST HARRIET was an okay read for me. There's nothing special or particularly memorable about it, but it wasn't bad either. On the plus side, it's a quick, easy read with a vivid island setting. Other than Harriet, the characters are warm, likable, and forgiving. Harriet is sympathetic, but she's also just kind of a brat. Her constant complaining, rudeness, and lying don't make her very likable. It's understandable that she's homesick and that she's acting out without really WANTING to, and her attitude does change over the course of the book, but still...I found Harriet all kinds of irritating. JUST HARRIET is short enough that it doesn't really get boring. It doesn't have tons going on in the way of plot, though, so it felt a bit here, there, and everywhere to me. On the whole, then, I didn't end up loving this book. As I said before, it was just an average read for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 196 reviews