About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the tricky transition to a higher grade or struggling with a school-yard rivalry that feels impossible to resolve. As Harry enters the third grade, he finds that some things never change, specifically his ongoing feud with Sidney. When Sidney accidentally kills Harry's pet spider, the story dives into the messy emotions of anger and the tempting pull of revenge, ultimately guiding the characters toward a more mature understanding of one another. This early chapter book is an excellent tool for normalizing the intense feelings of frustration and grief that come with childhood social conflicts. It models how children can move past 'eye-for-an-eye' thinking, even when they feel genuinely wronged. The setting of a school field trip adds a layer of adventure and humor that keeps the tone light despite the heavy emotional themes of loss and forgiveness.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The accidental death of Harry's pet spider, Croaker, could be distressing for children who are particularly sensitive to animal harm or who have recently lost a pet. The description of the spider being squashed is brief but impactful for a 7-year-old reader. CONVERSATION: Be ready to talk about the difference between an accident and an intentional act. Sidney didn't mean to kill the spider, but Harry's grief makes it hard for him to see that. Parents can use this to discuss how we react when someone hurts us by mistake.
Ideal Reader
A second or third grader who enjoys school stories with a bit of edge, or a child who is currently 'at war' with a classmate and needs to see how these conflicts can eventually cool down.
Parent Prep
None. The book is straightforward and the themes are handled with a light, age-appropriate touch. A child expressing a deep desire for revenge or refusing to accept a peer's apology for a mistake.
Age Experience
Younger readers (age 7) will focus on the 'gross-out' humor and the spooky mine setting. Older readers (age 9-10) will better appreciate the social dynamics and the difficulty Harry faces in deciding whether to actually go through with his revenge.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many school stories that emphasize perfect friendship, Suzy Kline embraces the 'horrible' side of childhood, acknowledging that kids can be mean, vengeful, and messy while still being fundamentally good people.
Read plot summary
Harry and his best friend Doug start third grade with a new teacher and a familiar rival: Sidney. The tension peaks when Sidney accidentally kills Harry's pet spider, sparking Harry's desire for a 'horrible' revenge. The resolution occurs during a class field trip to a copper mine, where a well-timed prank and a subsequent moment of shared fear lead to an apology and a reset of their relationship.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Harry calls Sidney his 'sworn enemy.' Do you think it is possible to be enemies with someone and still be in the same classroom? How does that feel?
2
When Sidney killed the spider, it was an accident. Does that make Harry's anger more or less valid? Why do you think it was so hard for Harry to forgive him?
3
Harry planned a 'horrible' revenge. How did his plan change once they were actually in the mine? Why do you think he made that choice?
4
In the end, Sidney says 'I'm sorry.' What makes a 'good' apology, and how can you tell when someone really means it?
