Horrible Harry And the Locked Closet

Horrible Harry #17

by Suzy Kline

Horrible Harry has discovered the biggest mystery ever in Room 3B--a locked closet that's been sealed off for years. Miss Mackle, Song Lee, and the rest of the class join Harry in the detective work, but they soon encounter some surprises. Illustrations.

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books, Mystery, Juvenile, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Suzy Kline, nee Weaver, was an elementary school teacher for 25 years and most of her books are based on the experiences she had while teaching. Suzy and Rufus got married and had two daughters named Jennifer and Emily. Now, more than 24 years after writing her first book, Suzy has traveled all over the United States helping children learn how to enjoy reading and writing.

Reviews

[Cayla Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jude’s review

It’s the best because it’s my favorite book. When they made a volcano and it exploded was awesome in the book. -Jude

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute series! I didn't realize, when I picked these books out, that they have some faith based substance. At one point in the story two of the boys are distraught over their teacher leaving and together they found a quite place to pray. I am so happy to see stories that still hold Christian values and teach them to my son in a way he can relate and I hope will duplicate should he need to some day.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the forwards in these books, in which Kline thanks kids for giving her ideas. But sometimes she still, after 16 previous books, draws on personal experience....

Great series, so heartwarming and funny. As I've said, every potential primary teacher should read at least a few of these... they are short & easy! And though they're not amazing and I seldom give them four stars, even the three star ones are recommended for children and parents.

[Lauren Raimondi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely think my kids will enjoy reading this book. It's fast paced and has characters that are pretty easy to relate to. The mystery of what is in the locked closet is definitely appealing to a second grader.

[Marlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was short and easy to read. It kept the interest of my 9 year old and my 6 year old. My rating is based on their enjoyment of it. It is not very engaging for an adult. However, I do love the facts and activity that are at the end of the book.

[paige turner ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this Horrible Harry story 5 stars because I'm a sucker for a mystery.

I mean, how could you not be curious about a closet that's been locked for over 40 years? A closet that they find out was called "The General's Closet"?

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

During a stretch of cabin fever, 3B explores a closet that's been locked for 48 years

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 2nd grader and I read this - we thought it was good!

[Danni · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny

[Rylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book you should try it out to for all the kids horrible harry in the Locked closet was really fun to read

[Savani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Suzy Kline’s Horrible Harry and the Locked Closet continues her beloved classroom series with warmth, humor, and a touch of mystery. In this seventeenth installment, readers return to Room 3B, where Harry, Doug, and their classmates once again find themselves wrapped up in a school-day adventure filled with curiosity, friendship, and feelings that run deeper than they first appear.

The story centers around a mysterious locked closet in their classroom and a rumor that begins to circulate about their teacher, Miss Mackle. When Harry starts to suspect that Miss Mackle might be leaving or moving away, his imagination and his emotions run wild. It’s both funny and endearing to see Harry’s mind at work as he jumps to conclusions and tries to solve the mystery in his own spirited way. Beneath the humor, Kline captures something very real about how children cope with change and uncertainty, especially when it involves someone they care about deeply.

What stands out most is how Kline portrays Harry’s vulnerability. His worry over Miss Mackle possibly moving away shows just how attached he has become to his teacher, and how even “horrible” Harry has a tender side. The scenes where his emotions peek through add genuine heart to the story and remind readers that growing up means learning how to handle big feelings as much as it means learning math or reading.

Frank Remkiewicz’s familiar black-and-white illustrations once again complement the story perfectly, adding humor and expression to the classroom antics. His artwork captures the warmth of Room 3B and helps bring Harry and his friends to life for young readers.

As always, Suzy Kline strikes a lovely balance between fun and feeling. Horrible Harry and the Locked Closet is a charming reminder that even the most mischievous kids have kind hearts and that sometimes, the scariest mysteries of all are the ones about the people we love possibly leaving.

A delightful, heartfelt addition to the Horrible Harry series, this story shows once again why these books remain a favorite for early readers. It’s cute, funny, and full of heart; perfect for kids who are beginning to see that even classroom troublemakers have soft spots.

[Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recently I had to read four children's/young adult books for book reports with my students. Of the four, this one was the most underwhelming. I know I'm not exactly part of the target demographic for it, but I don't think I would have enjoyed it as a child either.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has lots of information about volcanoes, but that's not what the mystery is. It has two: one about the closet and one about his teacher. A happy ending! I found it interesting that the kids prayed twice!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

As you can expect, the story is more about the journey of unlocking the closet, rather than what's inside.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

when harry finds this door the class tries to open it .

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

re-read on Feb 13 2010

[zar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was awesome. I like mysteries.

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

there was a closet in room 3b that was locked harry found what was in it.

[Bethany Suzanne]

Love this book

[Cairn · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny

[Joey Gremillion · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute but not GREAT.

[Alyssa White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was cute, as expected. the students got giggles it off it and that is all that matters to me.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 8YO reader says "Harry can be helpful sometimes too."

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't know why Harry is called Horrible Harry as he really is not horrid at all. Harry's class have spent four days in a row inside the classroom during recess, and have already started getting bored with the indoor games that they play with during these times. Some of the games are already missing pieces. Harry uses this time to investigate the locked closet in the classroom and the reason why it has been sealed off for years. What an amazing teacher Harry's class has - as she encourages them to investigate the mystery of the door. A lovely read and a super story.