Henry Reed (character) facts for kids

Henry Reed is the main character in a series of five books for kids. These books were written by Keith Robertson. Henry's adventures are told through his own journal entries.

In most of the books, Henry is an American boy whose parents are diplomats. This means they live in other countries. For summer vacation, Henry stays with his aunt and uncle in Grover's Corner, New Jersey. This is the town where his mom grew up.

Henry is a serious and clever boy. He loves to start new businesses to earn money. He writes down all his day-to-day adventures in his journal. He makes it clear that it's not a diary!

Margaret "Midge" Glass is Henry's best friend and business partner. She is a year younger than Henry. Midge is adventurous and free-spirited. She is often more spontaneous than Henry. Together, they get into all sorts of funny and chaotic situations. They usually cause these adventures by accident, not on purpose.

Henry Reed's Amazing Books

The first four books in the series had illustrations by Robert McCloskey. The last book, published in 1986, did not have pictures inside.

Henry Reed, Inc. (1958)

This is the first book in the series. Henry, who is 13 years old, arrives in Grover's Corner. He meets his Aunt Mabel and Uncle Al. He also adopts a stray beagle dog named Agony. Most importantly, he becomes friends with Midge.

Henry turns an old family barn into the office for "Henry Reed, Inc." This is his new research service business. He tries many ways to make money. These include looking for oil, hunting for truffles, and even launching a homemade weather balloon. Their neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Apple, often get upset by Henry and Midge's projects.

Henry Reed's Journey (1963)

This is the only book in the series that is not set in Grover's Corner. In this story, Henry meets Midge and her family in San Francisco, California. They then drive all the way across the United States to New Jersey. It's a big road trip full of adventures!

Henry Reed's Baby-Sitting Service (1966)

This book takes place during the same summer as Henry Reed, Inc.. Henry and Midge decide to start a baby-sitting business. The Apples have moved away from next door. Now, Henry and Midge have to deal with the older kids who moved into their house.

Henry Reed's Big Show (1970)

In the fourth book, Henry and Midge try to become successful in showbiz. They put on a big show. They hope to earn money as entertainment entrepreneurs.

Henry Reed's Think Tank (1986)

This is the fifth and final book in the series. It happens right after the events of Big Show. Henry and Midge go back to their original idea of helping people. They set up a "think tank". Their goal is to help solve problems for the people living in Grover's Corner. In this book, Henry is 13 years old again, even though he was older in previous books.

Awards for Henry Reed Books

Several of the Henry Reed books have won awards:

• Henry Reed, Inc. won the William Allen White Children's Book Award in 1961.
• Henry Reed's Baby-Sitting Service won two awards in 1969:
  • The William Allen White Children's Book Award.
  • The Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Reader's Choice Award.

These awards are special because they are often judged by schoolchildren themselves.