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Just Harriet #2
Harriet Spies
The unforgettable star of Just Harriet returns for another mystery on Marble Island, from award-winning author Elana K. Arnold.
There are a few things you should know about Harriet Wermer:
● She always tells the truth.
● She’s loving spending her summer on Marble Island, where she is an A+ mystery-solver.
● Okay, maybe she doesn’t always tell the truth.
● Actually…she has a tendency to lie quite a bit.
Which is why, when one of the guests at her grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast finds that their treasured pair of binoculars has gone missing, no one believes Harriet when she said she had nothing to do with it. But this is one time Harriet isn’t lying—and she knows that if she can find the binoculars and figure out who really took them, she can prove it.
With her cat, Matzo Ball, her grandmother’s basset hound, Moneypenny, and Harriet’s new friend, Clarence, helping her out, Harriet knows she can crack the case. But when the culprit isn’t who Harriet expects, it’s up to her to decide how important the truth really is.
There are a few things you should know about Harriet Wermer:
● She always tells the truth.
● She’s loving spending her summer on Marble Island, where she is an A+ mystery-solver.
● Okay, maybe she doesn’t always tell the truth.
● Actually…she has a tendency to lie quite a bit.
Which is why, when one of the guests at her grandmother’s bed-and-breakfast finds that their treasured pair of binoculars has gone missing, no one believes Harriet when she said she had nothing to do with it. But this is one time Harriet isn’t lying—and she knows that if she can find the binoculars and figure out who really took them, she can prove it.
With her cat, Matzo Ball, her grandmother’s basset hound, Moneypenny, and Harriet’s new friend, Clarence, helping her out, Harriet knows she can crack the case. But when the culprit isn’t who Harriet expects, it’s up to her to decide how important the truth really is.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 7, 2023
18 people are currently reading
2321 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 34 reviews
June 29, 2023
Harriet Spies is a delightful book sure to appeal to a wide range of middle-grade readers. In it, we meet Harriet, a young girl staying at her grandmother’s bed and breakfast on Marble Island for the summer while her mother is home on bed rest waiting for her baby brother to arrive. Harriet has an honest heart and feels deeply but tends to lie to others without thinking. A lot. So when one of her grandmother’s guest’s binoculars goes missing, they have trouble believing she did not play a role in their disappearance. Together with her new friend Clarence, they set out to find the missing binoculars and prove Harriet’s innocence. This book has everything a middle grade novel needs: strong, relatable characters, real life experiences and a satisfying ending for all, not to mention a powerful life lesson of telling the truth to yourself and others. This is the second book in the Just Harriet series and will delight fans of Harriet the Spy and Ramona Quimby.
January 8, 2024
Another Elana Arnold read with Eloise (age 9). Have I mentioned how much I enjoy reading Elana Arnold's middle grade books? :) Her characters are great and the plotline is always fun. This one had a bit of a mystery to it, which we both enjoyed.
April 5, 2024
"Harriet Spies" by Elana K. Arnold is a delightful mystery adventure that will captivate young readers with its engaging plot, relatable characters, and valuable life lessons. Set on Marble Island, the story follows Harriet, a young girl with a penchant for solving mysteries and a tendency to tell tall tales.
Harriet finds herself embroiled in a mystery when a pair of binoculars goes missing at her grandmother's bed-and-breakfast. Despite her reputation for stretching the truth, Harriet is determined to prove her innocence and uncover the true culprit. With the help of her new friend Clarence, Harriet sets out to crack the case.
One of the standout themes of the book is the importance of friendship and trust. As Harriet navigates the ups and downs of her investigation, she learns valuable lessons about the power of honesty, the consequences of deception, and the true meaning of friendship. Young readers will appreciate Harriet's journey of self-discovery and her efforts to repair broken trust and strengthen her relationships.
The mystery-solving aspect of the story is both entertaining and educational, allowing readers to engage their critical thinking skills as they follow Harriet's clues and unravel the truth behind the missing binoculars. The juxtaposition of the binoculars and the magnifying glass as symbols of perspective adds depth to the narrative and encourages readers to consider the importance of seeing things from different angles.
One of the book's strengths is its strong and relatable characters, each with their own quirks and flaws. Harriet's struggles with honesty and self-improvement will resonate with young readers, who may see bits of themselves reflected in her journey. The supporting cast of characters, including Nanu, the Captain, and Clarence, adds humor and warmth to the story, making it a joy to read.
In conclusion, "Harriet Spies" is a fun and engaging mystery. With its relatable characters, clever plot twists, and powerful life lessons, it is sure to entertain and inspire young minds. Elana K. Arnold has crafted a charming tale that combines mystery, friendship, and personal growth, making it a must-read for young readers everywhere.
Harriet finds herself embroiled in a mystery when a pair of binoculars goes missing at her grandmother's bed-and-breakfast. Despite her reputation for stretching the truth, Harriet is determined to prove her innocence and uncover the true culprit. With the help of her new friend Clarence, Harriet sets out to crack the case.
One of the standout themes of the book is the importance of friendship and trust. As Harriet navigates the ups and downs of her investigation, she learns valuable lessons about the power of honesty, the consequences of deception, and the true meaning of friendship. Young readers will appreciate Harriet's journey of self-discovery and her efforts to repair broken trust and strengthen her relationships.
The mystery-solving aspect of the story is both entertaining and educational, allowing readers to engage their critical thinking skills as they follow Harriet's clues and unravel the truth behind the missing binoculars. The juxtaposition of the binoculars and the magnifying glass as symbols of perspective adds depth to the narrative and encourages readers to consider the importance of seeing things from different angles.
One of the book's strengths is its strong and relatable characters, each with their own quirks and flaws. Harriet's struggles with honesty and self-improvement will resonate with young readers, who may see bits of themselves reflected in her journey. The supporting cast of characters, including Nanu, the Captain, and Clarence, adds humor and warmth to the story, making it a joy to read.
In conclusion, "Harriet Spies" is a fun and engaging mystery. With its relatable characters, clever plot twists, and powerful life lessons, it is sure to entertain and inspire young minds. Elana K. Arnold has crafted a charming tale that combines mystery, friendship, and personal growth, making it a must-read for young readers everywhere.
February 23, 2023
First sentence: If you're not a people person, you probably wouldn't like living at a bed-and-breakfast. (Even if you really like beds, and you really like breakfasts).
Premise/plot: Harriet Spies is the sequel to Just Harriet. To refresh memories all around, Harriet is visiting her grandmother--who runs a bed and breakfast--for the summer. Her mother, who is pregnant, has been put on bed rest. Her father, who is working and trying to manage everything at the house too, thinks its best for everyone if Harriet has some special time with her grandmother. Harriet and her cat, Matzo Ball, have enjoyed many things about the summer...so far. But Harriet doesn't always get along perfectly with all the guests. In this book, Captain, who resides at the bed and breakfast, misplaces her binoculars, she blames Harriet--accuses her of theft. Harriet, who hasn't always been known for telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, isn't believed. Harriet makes a new friend, Clarence, who agrees to help her solve the mystery. Who really took the binoculars...and why????
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really enjoyed the first novel in the series, Just Harriet. I really like this community. I like the amount of characterization. The light mystery was enjoyable. I am so glad that she's making friends her own age too.
Premise/plot: Harriet Spies is the sequel to Just Harriet. To refresh memories all around, Harriet is visiting her grandmother--who runs a bed and breakfast--for the summer. Her mother, who is pregnant, has been put on bed rest. Her father, who is working and trying to manage everything at the house too, thinks its best for everyone if Harriet has some special time with her grandmother. Harriet and her cat, Matzo Ball, have enjoyed many things about the summer...so far. But Harriet doesn't always get along perfectly with all the guests. In this book, Captain, who resides at the bed and breakfast, misplaces her binoculars, she blames Harriet--accuses her of theft. Harriet, who hasn't always been known for telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, isn't believed. Harriet makes a new friend, Clarence, who agrees to help her solve the mystery. Who really took the binoculars...and why????
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really enjoyed the first novel in the series, Just Harriet. I really like this community. I like the amount of characterization. The light mystery was enjoyable. I am so glad that she's making friends her own age too.
February 8, 2023
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🏝️ wish you lived on an island
📖 enjoy middle grade reads
🤞🏻 have ever lied
🐈 are a curious person
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Harriet just finished 3rd grade and has been sent to stay with her Nanu for the summer on Marble Island while her mom is on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Helping her Nanu at the B&B, this story is a continuation of the first book, Just Harriet. In this short chapter book, we see Harriet make a new friend on the island when she has to go searching for missing binoculars!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This is such a fun read for early readers. I definitely recommend this for kids around 8-12 years old as the MC is probably 9 or so. Harriet is a relatable character and teaches a lot of valuable lessons - lying can get you into more trouble than telling the truth, friendships are worth saving, and first impressions are not always accurate. I also love how the author incorporates new words into the story and explains their meanings, thus improving the reader’s vocabulary!
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
🏝️ wish you lived on an island
📖 enjoy middle grade reads
🤞🏻 have ever lied
🐈 are a curious person
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Harriet just finished 3rd grade and has been sent to stay with her Nanu for the summer on Marble Island while her mom is on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Helping her Nanu at the B&B, this story is a continuation of the first book, Just Harriet. In this short chapter book, we see Harriet make a new friend on the island when she has to go searching for missing binoculars!
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This is such a fun read for early readers. I definitely recommend this for kids around 8-12 years old as the MC is probably 9 or so. Harriet is a relatable character and teaches a lot of valuable lessons - lying can get you into more trouble than telling the truth, friendships are worth saving, and first impressions are not always accurate. I also love how the author incorporates new words into the story and explains their meanings, thus improving the reader’s vocabulary!
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
May 12, 2023
What a treat to discover that there is a second chapter in the Just Harriet series. She is still at her Nanu's bed & breakfast and with this book happening so quickly after the first, there is a great opportunity for character development. We particularly get to know the Captain (the birdwatching guest/conservationist) and the neighbor Mabel Marble better. Harriet also makes a new friend named Clarence. The mystery of the Captain's missing binoculars is the focus for Harriet. In her search, she loves using the magnifying glass that her father gives her for looking at his miniature collection. What is interesting is the juxtaposition of the binoculars and their ability to see far vs. a magnifying glass that helps you see up close. There is much more to this book than you might expect from the cheery, bright cover. So many of us will see bits of ourselves in young Harriet and that is what makes this such a compelling read.
May 29, 2023
Even as an 43 year old adult this book spoke to me. Harriet deals with the issue with a little white lie and how it can build and change other’s opinions of your integrity. A fun take on the old classic ‘The boy who cried wolf’ this book takes you to a fun island where you can learn everyone has challenges and learning how to deal with yours is something that is hard to handle.
I recommend this for any age where you deal with feelings of inadequacy or feel like a slight fib, or little white lie won’t hurt anything. Or deal with those that do. It helps you look inwards and realize the harm it causes to yourself and those around you!
I recommend this for any age where you deal with feelings of inadequacy or feel like a slight fib, or little white lie won’t hurt anything. Or deal with those that do. It helps you look inwards and realize the harm it causes to yourself and those around you!
May 16, 2023
Elana does it again. I might like this second installment of Harriet even better than the first. Harriet is really working on herself in this book, with varying degrees of success. But, I think my favorite part is that the adults are also flawed, and are encouraged to work on their stuff too. I love how three-dimensional all of the characters are - with laudable traits and flaws too.
As with Just Harriet, the mystery is a device to allow us to get to know Harriet and the supporting characters better, and it works well. I love the addition of Clarence, too.
As with Just Harriet, the mystery is a device to allow us to get to know Harriet and the supporting characters better, and it works well. I love the addition of Clarence, too.
July 1, 2023
4 stars
Harriet is back! Harriet is still staying with her Nanu on Marble Island. In this adventure, Harriet decides to have a yard sale to clear out the junk from her Nanu's shed. When Clarence, the librarian's brother, buys a box and later the binoculars of a guest at Nanu's Bed and Breakfast go missing, Harriet thinks maybe they could have got into Clarence's yard sale box by mistake. Investigating Clarence turns out to be an opportunity for making a friend, but can the friendship survive Harriet's quick temper? You'll have to read to find out!
Harriet is back! Harriet is still staying with her Nanu on Marble Island. In this adventure, Harriet decides to have a yard sale to clear out the junk from her Nanu's shed. When Clarence, the librarian's brother, buys a box and later the binoculars of a guest at Nanu's Bed and Breakfast go missing, Harriet thinks maybe they could have got into Clarence's yard sale box by mistake. Investigating Clarence turns out to be an opportunity for making a friend, but can the friendship survive Harriet's quick temper? You'll have to read to find out!
May 22, 2024
A book I did not mind reading but probably won't remember.
So, to jog my memory, only, in case I ever return to this: Harriet is staying at her Nanu's bed and breakfast on the island with a crochety ornithologist who loses her binoculars. There is an absent, pregnant mama (on bedrest, apparently) and a talented, often-absent dad--he's with his wife; he knows his daughter is safe on the island and of course she is. There is a cat and a dog and a new friend and a yard sale. Oh, and a mystery, not immediately, but nonetheless satisfactorily solved.
So, to jog my memory, only, in case I ever return to this: Harriet is staying at her Nanu's bed and breakfast on the island with a crochety ornithologist who loses her binoculars. There is an absent, pregnant mama (on bedrest, apparently) and a talented, often-absent dad--he's with his wife; he knows his daughter is safe on the island and of course she is. There is a cat and a dog and a new friend and a yard sale. Oh, and a mystery, not immediately, but nonetheless satisfactorily solved.
February 1, 2024
The second in the Just Harriet series.
Harriet is feeling more comfortable on the island and meets another child her age. When she is accused of taking something belonging to the Captain, she asks Clarence for help finding it. Their adventures and misadventures help Harriet learn how to be a better friend and keep herself from telling lies. This book suffered a bit from sequel let down but picked up toward the end.
Harriet is feeling more comfortable on the island and meets another child her age. When she is accused of taking something belonging to the Captain, she asks Clarence for help finding it. Their adventures and misadventures help Harriet learn how to be a better friend and keep herself from telling lies. This book suffered a bit from sequel let down but picked up toward the end.
January 16, 2025
Harriet is staying at her Nanu’s B and B the summer. She is an A + detective, and she has a new friend named Clarence. So when Captain’s binoculars go missing, it’s Harriet and Clarence to the case!
This book is perfect for fans of the Ramona series, and Adventures in Fosterland. I loved how Harriet, the main character makes a new friend in this book. I will read any book that has a cat in it. You can also see Harriet learn to get better at always telling the truth.
This book is perfect for fans of the Ramona series, and Adventures in Fosterland. I loved how Harriet, the main character makes a new friend in this book. I will read any book that has a cat in it. You can also see Harriet learn to get better at always telling the truth.
February 22, 2023
The second of the Harriet trilogy.
Harriet and her cat, Matzo Ball, continue their summer stay at Nanu’s B&B on Marble Island. Things go awry when a long term guest’s binoculars go missing. With the help of a new friend Harriet solves the mystery and learns a valuable lesson along the way.
Great message without being didactic.
Harriet and her cat, Matzo Ball, continue their summer stay at Nanu’s B&B on Marble Island. Things go awry when a long term guest’s binoculars go missing. With the help of a new friend Harriet solves the mystery and learns a valuable lesson along the way.
Great message without being didactic.
March 19, 2024
This is my fav volume so far adding Clarence and making the mystery about a missing object was a great choice. There are plenty of people who could have taken the binoculars or even possibilities. I like how she investigates and we feel like we're investigating with her. Excited for book 3 now. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator is awesome.
March 8, 2023
My kids really like this just Harriet series. It isn’t as endearing as the boy called bat series in my opinion, but Harriet is a precocious girl that gets up to so many adventures and wrestles with some practical life lessons. Overall it was a fun read.
August 31, 2023
Cute sequel to Just Harriet. She continues her summer on the island and makes a new friend. My favorite middle grade novels have strong female characters and a lesson learned in the end. This one has it all, plus 2 adorable animals!
March 12, 2024
As Harriet continues her stay on the island with her grandmother, she makes a friend. She also learns a valuable lesson about being someone who can be relied on to tell the truth … even when it’s easier to avoid it.
Cute sequel.
Cute sequel.
September 6, 2025
the only bad thing about the 3rd book is that in the end the gramma and the tourist are in love with each other. ( they both are girls ) otherwise the books are very good. that is why I give it a 4 star.
February 8, 2023
Thank you Libro.fm. I feel I need to see the book to give it a higher rating.
I loved Harriet the Spy so I think using the name sets a high standard.
I loved Harriet the Spy so I think using the name sets a high standard.
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February 13, 2023Starting in 2023, I'm keeping all of my ratings and reviews over on the [non-Amazon-owed] StoryGraph, where you can find me as PurplePenning: https://app.thestorygraph.com/user_re...
February 19, 2023
Very cute book. Simple, enjoyable, and a good message.
March 30, 2023
Just the name of the cat alone, I was sold.
April 10, 2023
I just can't really get into this series - I think it's because I have trouble connecting with Harriet as a character, though I do appreciate her flaws.
June 23, 2023
4.8/5🌟
July 15, 2023
Fun on an island bed & breakfast! Funny adventures as Harriet tries to find the culvert. Great summer read!
September 3, 2023
Such a fun early readers chapter book series. I loved slowly reading it each night while I fall asleep.
April 1, 2024
This early middle grade story is good to help students who might have a lying problem.
July 16, 2024
Audiobook
October 20, 2024
Harriet is such a delightful character! I love how each book has a contained story, while Harriet's character arc stretches over the whole series.
April 19, 2025
Much preferred this to the first Harriet book.
This one shows consequences for lying in a 'boy cries wolf' sense (not being believed).
This one shows consequences for lying in a 'boy cries wolf' sense (not being believed).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews