“My name is Harriet Wermer.”

From Elana K. Arnold’s Just Harriet.

The last day of third grade was a really bad day for Harriet because that was when she learned that her mom was going to be on bed rest for the whole summer until her baby brother is born. And if that wasn’t bad enough, Harriet also finds out that her parents are sending her away to stay with her Nanu at her Bric-a-Brac bed and breakfast until the end of the summer. While Harriet loves Nanu and likes to visit her small island town, she doesn’t want to be stuck there for weeks without her parents. Thankfully, Nanu says it’s okay for Harriet to bring her cat Matzo Ball with her for the summer… which is less than exciting for Moneypenny, Nanu’s dog. Harriet gets mad easily and she often lies without meaning too, but when her dad promises that the B&B has wonderful treasures to discover, Harriet tries to focus on being better. When Harriet finds a mysterious key while cleaning out a shed, she begins searching the island for whatever it unlocks, and her she experiences a summer bigger than she ever imagined.

This short book is sweet and genuine in a way that readers of all ages will connect with the big feelings of the young main character. Arnold easily crafts a story that is interesting while it also encourages understanding, especially when combined with the illustrations that are scattered throughout the book. While this book is different in focus that the Bat series, Just Harriet will still leave an impact on readers long after the story finishes.