Harriet the Spy
After
reading for a second time, Harriet the
Spy by Louise Fitzhugh remains not only a timeless piece and fine work of
children’s literature, I still consider this novel one of my absolute favorites
from my childhood. The story revolves around a precocious sixth grade girl who
is on a mission to see everything and meet as many people as she can, so she
can scribble away in her infamous composition notebook with the word PRIVATE
plastered on the front in all caps. Following in the words of her nanny (Ole
Golly) to always speak and write the truth, Harriet’s hurtful words and spy
work ends up costing her friendships, several worried parents and a club
dedicated to catching spies. After receiving a letter from her beloved old
nanny, Harriet turns herself around and become editor of the sixth grade
newsletter; speaking the truth in a careful and polite tone and wins back her
friends.
This book was written
in the early sixties but continues to be considered a classic for many children
in our current younger generations for many reasons. It offers the perspective
of a smart and talented young girl who is far from wanting to play dress up
with tiaras and tutus. It follows the story of a girl who wants to pursue
writing and is curious about the world around her. Sure it leads to Harriet
coming across trouble once her notebook is taken from her and briefly losing
her friends, but her character is very relatable to the children reading this
book and children her age. Intended for a fourth grade reading level, Harriet’s
characters is open to the world around her, she teaches young mind to embrace
independence and curios
(images via pinterst)
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