The History of Helpless Harry

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to test the limits of their own independence or when they struggle with the 'tangled web' of small lies. Set in the 1840s, this story follows eleven-year-old Harry, who considers himself quite clever but finds himself in over his head when left in the care of a young governess. It is a humorous and insightful exploration of how pride and a lack of transparency can lead a well-meaning child into a series of increasingly absurd and dangerous misunderstandings. Parents will appreciate how Avi uses a historical lens to examine universal themes of accountability and the transition from childhood helplessness to genuine maturity. It serves as an excellent springboard for discussing why honesty is often the simplest path, even when it feels like the most difficult one.