Title: Harriet the Spy
Author: Louise Fitzhugh
First published January 1, 1964
300 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780440416791 (ISBN10: 0440416795)
Rating: 3.95
Overview
In Louise Fitzhugh’s Harriet the Spy, a precocious and curious girl named Harriet keeps a secret notebook that is filled to the brim with her candid thoughts on everyone in her life. As she goes on her daily spy route, she jots down her observations on her parents, classmates, and neighbors.
But when her notebook is discovered by her peers, Harriet must navigate the fallout of their anger and her own unexpected responses in a hilarious and heartwarming tale of growth and acceptance.
About the Author
Louise Fitzhugh was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended Miss Hutchison’s School and three universities, but never earned a degree. She eventually graduated from Barnard College in 1950, as noted in her obituary in the New York Times.
Fitzhugh spent most of her adult life in New York City and owned homes in Long Island and Bridgewater, Connecticut.
Fitzhugh was briefly married to Ed Thompson, whom she dated in high school, but primarily dated women after high school. She illustrated the 1961 children’s book Suzuki Beane, a parody of Eloise, and worked closely with author Sandra Scoppettone to create a unique style using typewriter font and line drawings.
The book, although a parody, became a celebrated work of literature and is highly sought after on used book websites.
Fitzhugh’s most famous book is Harriet the Spy, published in 1964. Although it was controversial at the time due to the unflattering portrayal of some characters, it has since become a classic.
The book introduced a new realism to children’s fiction and has sold over 4 million copies since publication. Harriet is not the typical feminine heroine of the 1960s, but rather a writer who observes and records everything in her notebook.
The book’s success led to the publication of two more books featuring characters from Harriet the Spy.
Fitzhugh was also an illustrator and exhibited her works in various galleries, including the Banfer Gallery in New York in 1963. She passed away in 1974 from a brain aneurysm, and her obituary was published in the New York Times.
Editoral Review
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is a timeless classic that has captivated young readers for over 50 years. First published in 1964, the book has stood the test of time and remains as relevant today as when it was first written.
The author, Louise Fitzhugh, was an American writer and illustrator. She was a trailblazer in the world of children’s literature, creating complex and nuanced characters that challenged gender norms and societal expectations.
Harriet the Spy is a novel for young readers that deals with the themes of identity, belonging, and friendship. The main character, Harriet M.
Welsch, is an 11-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a spy. She spends her days observing her friends and neighbors, writing down her observations in a notebook that she carries with her at all times.
When her notebook falls into the wrong hands, Harriet’s world is turned upside down. As she struggles to regain her friends’ trust, she learns important life lessons about the value of honesty and the importance of respecting others’ privacy.
Fitzhugh’s prose is straightforward and engaging, making the story accessible to young readers without talking down to them. The book’s pacing is excellent, with a perfect balance of action and introspection.
One of the strengths of Harriet the Spy is its diverse cast of characters. Fitzhugh was ahead of her time in her portrayal of characters from different backgrounds and experiences.
Harriet’s best friend, Sport, is a boy who loves cooking and sports. Her other friend, Janie, is the daughter of a wealthy family but has her own insecurities and struggles.
The themes of the book are still relevant today. Harriet’s yearning to understand the world around her and her desire for self-expression is a universal experience.
The book’s exploration of privacy and surveillance is especially timely in today’s world of social media and digital technology. The only weakness of Harriet the Spy may be its lack of diversity in certain regards.
The book is set in a wealthy neighborhood in New York City, and the majority of the characters are white. However, it should be noted that Fitzhugh’s portrayal of unconventional characters, such as Harriet’s nanny, was ahead of its time, and the book remains an important work in the history of children’s literature.
The book is a must-read for young readers who are discovering the world around them and grappling with the complexities of identity and friendship. It is a timeless classic that will never go out of style.
Overall, Harriet the Spy is a masterpiece of children’s literature. With its engaging prose, complex characters, and timeless themes, it is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of young readers for generations to come.
The Washington Post gives Harriet the Spy its highest recommendation and rates it a 9 out of 10.
