Mini Book Review: Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon – Vashti Hardy

Author(s): Vashti Hardy (author), George Ermos (illustrator)
Publisher: Scholastic UK
Publication date: January 2022
About the publisher: “We believe that independent reading is a critical part of children’s learning and growth. With support from teachers, parents and schools, children choose from Scholastic the books they want to read, and discover the pleasure and power of reading. Finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens and everything becomes possible.“

(Taken from the Scholastic website)

Harley Hitch is back with another inventive adventure! When the circus comes to town, Harley’s curiosity get the better of her – and she accidentally breaks a cabinet that makes things magically disappear! Soon after, everyone realizes that the Moon has gone missing. Time is speeding up, wildlife is getting disorientated by the darker nighttime, the wind is getting stronger, and there’s no more tide. Is Harley to blame? Can she sort out the mess before it’s too late?

I absolutely loved Harley Hitch and the Iron Forest so there was no doubt in my mind that I would read the next instalment of this wonderful series. I read it in around two hours and just couldn’t put it down – there’s never a dull moment in Forgetown. Not when Harley is around anyway…

We’re met with the same cast of characters along with some new ones who come along with a visiting circus. On the opening night of the circus, the moon goes missing – and Harley thinks it’s all her fault.

As always, there is a strong STEM theme in this book but this one has a specific lean towards planetary science, the importance of the moon and the impact it has on the Earth. It never ceases to amaze me how Hardy weaves in so much science into her stories without losing pace or being overly complicated. There is also a strong representation of women in science and engineering making it all the more appealing to our budding future scientists.

What I particularly loved though, was that Harley learns to be true to herself. Not to do things to conform or please others, but to be her authentic, wonderful self. I’m sure we all need that message sometimes.

As with the original book, the fantastic illustrations are by George Ermos.

I thoroughly enjoyed Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon and hope we’re back in Forgetown soon.

I borrowed this book from my local library and this review is my own opinion.

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You can support your local bookshop by buying Harley Hitch and the Missing Moon through them directly, or via Hive. Or you can do what I did and borrow it from your local library!