Just Harriet

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the weight of a white lie or feels the pressure of being a 'good kid' while navigating natural impulses to explore and keep secrets. It is perfect for children who feel misunderstood by adults or who are facing a significant life transition, such as the arrival of a new sibling. Harriet Wermer is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother on Marblehead Island while her mother deals with a difficult pregnancy. Amidst the salt air and the mystery of a hidden key, Harriet grapples with her habit of 'stretching the truth' and the complicated feelings of being away from home. The story beautifully balances the whimsy of a summer adventure with the grounded, sometimes painful reality of learning that honesty is about more than just not lying: it is about integrity and owning your story. It is a gentle, realistic look at growing up for ages 8 to 12.