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Harley Hitch #2
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon
Harley Hitch is back with another inventive adventure! When the circus comes to town, Harley's curiosity get the better of her - and she accidentally breaks a cabinet that makes things magically disappear! Soon after, everyone realizes that the Moon has gone missing. Time is speeding up, wildlife at night is getting disorientated by the darkness, and there's no more tide. Is Harley to blame? Can she sort out the mess before it's too late?
- GenresMiddle Grade
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2022
32 people want to read
About the author
Vashti Hardy
36 books165 followers Vashti Hardy is a children’s book author who lives near Lancashire, England, with her husband and three teens. She has an honors teaching degree and an MA in creative writing from the University of Chichester.
Vashti Hardy est une auteure jeunesse. Elle a enseigné pendant de nombreuse années à l'école primaire. Après avoir quitté l'enseignement pour se consacrer davantage à l'écriture, elle devient conceptrice-rédactrice et cadre dans le marketing numérique. Elle est titulaire d'un M.A. en création littéraire de l'Université de Chichester. Elle compte également parmi les diplômés de la Golden Egg Academy, une école destinée aux auteurs de livres pour enfants et aide régulièrement les nouveaux élèves de l'institution. Vashti Hardy vit avec son mari et ses trois enfants près de Brighton dans le Sussex de l'Est.
Vashti Hardy est une auteure jeunesse. Elle a enseigné pendant de nombreuse années à l'école primaire. Après avoir quitté l'enseignement pour se consacrer davantage à l'écriture, elle devient conceptrice-rédactrice et cadre dans le marketing numérique. Elle est titulaire d'un M.A. en création littéraire de l'Université de Chichester. Elle compte également parmi les diplômés de la Golden Egg Academy, une école destinée aux auteurs de livres pour enfants et aide régulièrement les nouveaux élèves de l'institution. Vashti Hardy vit avec son mari et ses trois enfants près de Brighton dans le Sussex de l'Est.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 10, 2022
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted Kaleidoscopic book tours.
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon is the second book in the Harley Hitch series by Vashti Hardy.
Not only was this book fun to read but it had educational aspects, fantastic imagination, and descriptive language throughout. I adored the illustrations through the book and found them great to further bring the story to life in the imaginations of its readers.
I loved how this book teaches young readers right from wrong and encourages uniqueness and individuality. This is perfect for any children who feel different from their friends, that don't feel like they quite fit in and don't feel good enough. This book is a great all rounder of a read and can see younger readers finding comfort, support and encouragement from this fantastic series!
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon is the second book in the Harley Hitch series by Vashti Hardy.
Not only was this book fun to read but it had educational aspects, fantastic imagination, and descriptive language throughout. I adored the illustrations through the book and found them great to further bring the story to life in the imaginations of its readers.
I loved how this book teaches young readers right from wrong and encourages uniqueness and individuality. This is perfect for any children who feel different from their friends, that don't feel like they quite fit in and don't feel good enough. This book is a great all rounder of a read and can see younger readers finding comfort, support and encouragement from this fantastic series!
February 7, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book, it was imaginative and descriptive. It was simple enough that I think my oldest would be able to read along with it on her own. I adored the illustrations throughout, that just added to it because it helps you see and understand what the descriptions were and it gives you an idea of what was going on.
Even though the book is packed full of fun, as an adult you can tell there is an educational aspect to the story. There are parts were you can see they are trying to teach you right and wrong. There was some subtly to some issues too and it goes over a lot of really important issues and I thought this was really cleverly done.
My daughter cannot wait for me to pass both these books onto her to read! And we will be keeping an eye out for any others in the series!
Even though the book is packed full of fun, as an adult you can tell there is an educational aspect to the story. There are parts were you can see they are trying to teach you right and wrong. There was some subtly to some issues too and it goes over a lot of really important issues and I thought this was really cleverly done.
My daughter cannot wait for me to pass both these books onto her to read! And we will be keeping an eye out for any others in the series!
January 6, 2022
We return to the invention-run land of Inventia, and Harley Hitch's home of Forgetown in this second delightful mystery/adventure. Harley is trying to be perfect (according to her strict teacher's definition, anyway) but when her curiosity gets the better of her and the moon goes missing, she might have to decide what perfect means to help her home.
It's a really important message about how one person's idea of perfect doesn't fit everyone (and isn't necessarily right, just because they're an authority figure.) Harley's friendship takes a hit, as does her ability to solve problems because she's forcing herself into a box. And she runs the risk of burnout (a danger many of us can recognise at any age!) Plus seeing her being so un-Harley-ish was very funny, as you could just see her straining to do her normal thing and pulling herself in, leading to some amusing interactions.
The world building details are so inventive (hahah, puns!) and so many attention has been paid to how the mechanical nature of the world effects every part of life. From how the circus arrives to how it puts on its shows, plus the carefully chosen (woad!) dyes for her hair, the thought shines through. I want a pretzel in the shape of a cog!
As ever with Vashti Hardy's books, there's a strong STEM theme to this latest offering. As you've probably guessed from the title, this time it's about the importance of the moon. I really enjoyed how the many different facets of the moon's influence on the world were introduced by really exaggerating the effects (and making them happen so quickly.) It's an effective way to show just how important it is to our world.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
It's a really important message about how one person's idea of perfect doesn't fit everyone (and isn't necessarily right, just because they're an authority figure.) Harley's friendship takes a hit, as does her ability to solve problems because she's forcing herself into a box. And she runs the risk of burnout (a danger many of us can recognise at any age!) Plus seeing her being so un-Harley-ish was very funny, as you could just see her straining to do her normal thing and pulling herself in, leading to some amusing interactions.
The world building details are so inventive (hahah, puns!) and so many attention has been paid to how the mechanical nature of the world effects every part of life. From how the circus arrives to how it puts on its shows, plus the carefully chosen (woad!) dyes for her hair, the thought shines through. I want a pretzel in the shape of a cog!
As ever with Vashti Hardy's books, there's a strong STEM theme to this latest offering. As you've probably guessed from the title, this time it's about the importance of the moon. I really enjoyed how the many different facets of the moon's influence on the world were introduced by really exaggerating the effects (and making them happen so quickly.) It's an effective way to show just how important it is to our world.
I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
January 9, 2022
I loved this book more than first! Loved the messages within the story aswell as seeing the characters develop
April 23, 2022
I love the Harley Hitch series. Harley tries so hard, Cosmo is the friend everyone needs, Sprocket the robot dog is adorable and Harley's granddads make you feel that you're safe and everything will be ok.
The messages in this book are so important. If you've ever felt you're not good enough, not important enough or you'll never measure up to other people's expectations, this book shows you why being unique is important. I'm so pleased there are books like this that I can recommend to my class to make them laugh, to make them wonder and to make them feel loved.
The messages in this book are so important. If you've ever felt you're not good enough, not important enough or you'll never measure up to other people's expectations, this book shows you why being unique is important. I'm so pleased there are books like this that I can recommend to my class to make them laugh, to make them wonder and to make them feel loved.
February 13, 2022
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon is the second book in the Harley Hitch series. A steampunk, STEM focused series for younger readers of middle grade.
This second instalment to the series was just as good, or even better than it’s predecessor, so much so that I devoured it in one sitting.
The concept of the book was unique and stood out to me straight away. What would you do if the moon suddenly vanished from the sky? It really did make me think of all the terrible things that could happen if we didn’t have the moon and I loved the environmental message regarding this within the story.
Harley Hitch is a character that I just simply adore! She’s quirky, individual and passionate about what she believes in. Her adventurous streak was still very much present in this book and I enjoyed seeing her determination to find out what happened to the moon. In my opinion, Harley Hitch is such a great role model for young girls. She shows that you can just be yourself, not conform and try and save the world at the same time. She’s a character who definitely has my heart, that’s for sure!
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon was an incredible edition to this wonderful series. It was unique, action packed and filled to the brim with adventure. I need the third book asap!
This second instalment to the series was just as good, or even better than it’s predecessor, so much so that I devoured it in one sitting.
The concept of the book was unique and stood out to me straight away. What would you do if the moon suddenly vanished from the sky? It really did make me think of all the terrible things that could happen if we didn’t have the moon and I loved the environmental message regarding this within the story.
Harley Hitch is a character that I just simply adore! She’s quirky, individual and passionate about what she believes in. Her adventurous streak was still very much present in this book and I enjoyed seeing her determination to find out what happened to the moon. In my opinion, Harley Hitch is such a great role model for young girls. She shows that you can just be yourself, not conform and try and save the world at the same time. She’s a character who definitely has my heart, that’s for sure!
Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon was an incredible edition to this wonderful series. It was unique, action packed and filled to the brim with adventure. I need the third book asap!
March 1, 2022
This is the second book in the Harley Hitch series and sees Harley trying to win the Pupil of the Term award at school. When the circus comes to town, she is reluctant to attend but her best friend Cosmo persuades her that she needs a night of fun. But when she tries to take a look at one of the machines used in the show, she accidentally breaks it and then everything starts to go wrong…
Although this is the second Harley Hitch book, it can be read with no prior knowledge of the series. The reader quickly gets drawn into Harley’s world and gets to know her, her friends, her dog and her grandfathers. The story moves at a good pace with lots of action and adventure.
There is a strong STEM theme running throughout the book, as Harley invents, creates and fixes various items. It promotes curiosity; Harley asks questions but it is shown as a good thing, as a way to find out more about the world around her. Harley is a strong lead character who is not afraid to follow what she wants but is supported by those around her.
The illustrations by George Ermos help to add to the story and also to break up the text, which makes this an ideal read for newly confident readers.
Thanks to Books for Topics for this review copy.
Although this is the second Harley Hitch book, it can be read with no prior knowledge of the series. The reader quickly gets drawn into Harley’s world and gets to know her, her friends, her dog and her grandfathers. The story moves at a good pace with lots of action and adventure.
There is a strong STEM theme running throughout the book, as Harley invents, creates and fixes various items. It promotes curiosity; Harley asks questions but it is shown as a good thing, as a way to find out more about the world around her. Harley is a strong lead character who is not afraid to follow what she wants but is supported by those around her.
The illustrations by George Ermos help to add to the story and also to break up the text, which makes this an ideal read for newly confident readers.
Thanks to Books for Topics for this review copy.
March 30, 2022
In Harleys new adventure we follow Harley, Cosmo (my favourite character), Sproket, Grandma Eden and Grandpa Elliot to find all the missing objects that have gotten lost and most importantly, The Moon!
On the night that the circus came to town Harley snuck backstage t see the technology behind the disappearing cupboard! Then, things start to go missing, and Harley thinks it is all her fault!
Harley really likes Luna and wished she could be more like her but it means the Harleys stops being herself, and Cosmo tells her that he prefers it when Harley is the person she is and not the person she is trying to be.
You should never not be yourself for any one, always be yourself.
Cosmo wasn’t so much of a worrier on this story so maybe he had learned how to manage his worries a bit more.
I really loved this story and it kept me hooked and wanting to read more and more.
The illustrations in this book are amazing and help bring the story to life.
Alice -aged 8
On the night that the circus came to town Harley snuck backstage t see the technology behind the disappearing cupboard! Then, things start to go missing, and Harley thinks it is all her fault!
Harley really likes Luna and wished she could be more like her but it means the Harleys stops being herself, and Cosmo tells her that he prefers it when Harley is the person she is and not the person she is trying to be.
You should never not be yourself for any one, always be yourself.
Cosmo wasn’t so much of a worrier on this story so maybe he had learned how to manage his worries a bit more.
I really loved this story and it kept me hooked and wanting to read more and more.
The illustrations in this book are amazing and help bring the story to life.
Alice -aged 8
January 31, 2024
Oh Harley, don't ever change and try and be perfect. We love you just like you are. Another great story from the amazing Vashti Hardy. Drama and mystery seem to follow Harley and Cosmo wherever they go. The moon disappears. Is it Harley's fault? Can she solve it? How does the moon come to be lost? All these are answered in a fun and exciting way.
February 27, 2022
This is a really cute story. I liked that there was easy rep with Harley's grandad's. I really liked the celebration of individuality as well. I love STEM in kids books, and I loved the educational undertones about the moon. This would be fantastic in schools.
August 13, 2022
It was good I like it
September 21, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I needed a short and cozy read and that is what I got. I love the steampunk vibes and queer rep! I look forward to reading the third book 💙
I needed a short and cozy read and that is what I got. I love the steampunk vibes and queer rep! I look forward to reading the third book 💙
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews