37 pages 1 hour read

Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet the Spy

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1964

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, eleven-year-old Harriet Welsch, an aspiring writer and spy, observes and records the lives of people in her Upper East Side neighborhood in a notebook. When her classmates find and read her unflattering observations, she faces isolation and hostility, prompting her to learn about empathy and the power of words to restore her friendships and harmony in her social world.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Louise Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy applaud its compelling portrayal of a young girl's curiosity and struggles, capturing childhood precocity and complex friendships. Though some critique its outdated social perspectives and blunt character interactions, it remains a beloved classic for its wit, emotional depth, and relatable protagonist.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Harriet the Spy?

A reader who enjoys Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is likely a middle-grade student who delights in stories about curiosity, independence, and personal growth. Fans of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary will appreciate Harriet's adventures and relatable challenges.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

760L

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Children's Literature

Realistic Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Life/Time: Childhood & Youth

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal