Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun tales of impish jokester's sweet adventures with pals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In HORRIBLE HARRY, young Harry gets into trouble and is more "horrible" early in the series; after a handful of books, he's evolved from a mean-ish kid some readers wouldn't like into good-hearted rascal it's hard not to love. The stories are narrated by Harry's best friend Doug, and follow the kids in Miss Mackle's South School class through art contests, new students, a wedding, a lice infestation, and more. The stories are sweet and told in a conversational "kid" style that isn't dumbed down. These books focus on aspects of everyday life that kids experience, both in the classroom and in the outside world with their families.
Is It Any Good?
This series is big on compassion and forgiveness, and showing that an independent streak doesn't always mean trouble if it's paired with a good heart. The Horrible Harry series doesn't go overboard on any lesson: Harry develops a crush on a girl, one that's sustained for many books but is never overdone with swooning and over-the-top gestures readers wouldn't relate to. The book about lice at school is particularly compassionate, as the kids at South School learn that getting lice is common and not something to be embarrassed about.
This series is a funny, mischievous way of focusing on doing good things and being a good person, and reminding readers that gross jokes are sometimes extra funny.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Horrible Harry and his friends often break the rules but don't get in much trouble because their motivation isn't mischief, it's being helpful or going on an adventure. Does the reason you break the rules matter?
Do you have the same kinds of kids in your classroom that Harry has in his? Who is most like Harry, Doug, Mary, and Song in your class? Do you think your "Harry" is as kindhearted as this one?
What do you think of the way the adults in Harry's world respond to his mischief?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrators : Frank Remkiewicz , Amy Wummer
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Bugs ) , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Young Readers Group
- Publication date : May 1, 1997
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 7 - 9
- Number of pages : 64
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate