School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Gossip has it that Miss Mackle is engaged. But to whom? That question sparks a mystery among the students in room 3B, and Harry turns detective once again. He tracks down, and steals, a piece of engagement cake from the school library and announces to his classmates that the groom's name is on the cake. It's Mr. Marks. Harry's best friend, Doug, is disappointed in Harry for stealing, but doesn't tell on him. When Miss Mackle announces her engagement-to Mark Flaubert-Harry is embarrassed that he jumped to the wrong conclusion and confesses that he stole a piece of cake. Kline writes in an upbeat and humorous style that will appeal to beginning as well as reluctant readers. The illustrations are clear and focused, and complement the story line and characters. An appealing addition to the series.-Diane Eddington, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Horn Book (Tue Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2006)

Harry is so determined to discover the name of his teacher's fiancé that he resorts to stealing. As she does in each Horrible Harry book, Kline teaches a gentle lesson while successfully re-creating the small dramas of third grade. This will satisfy fans and newcomers to the series alike. Unfussy black-and-white illustrations reinforce the chapter-book text.

ALA Booklist (Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2006)

In the nineteenth chapter book about Harry and the kids in room 3B, Harry's best friend, Doug, warns readers that Harry does something really horrible in this story. The third-graders find out that their teacher, Miss Mackle, is getting engaged. But who is the lucky man? To solve the mystery, Harry steals a piece of the engagement cake with what he thinks is the groom's name printed on it--but the detective gets it wrong. What's more, in his nervousness about being a thief, Harry passes gas and stinks up the classroom. The mystery about the cake is a bit convoluted, but kids will enjoy the lively classroom scenes, including the kids' presentations on animals--from a horse to a Tasmanian devil. A realistic friendship story of failure and forgiveness, farting, and fun.