Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is a classic children’s book that is still beloved by readers of all ages today. Written in the mid 1960s, the coming-of-age story follows the independent and observant Harriet, who records her observations of the people she encounters in her life in an ever-growing notebook. Her mother is a successful literary agent and her father is a columnist for the New York Times. Both of her parents are loving but are often too busy for her.
Harriet spends her summer days observing the people and activities of the city, which she records in her notebook. These include her nanny, the local restaurant and the nearby houses of her schoolmates. When her classmates read her notebook by accidentally stacking it on top of her desk, they discover her secret and turn on her, leading to a tumultuous and lonely start to the school year.
As she begins to reflect on her behaviour and relationships with her peers, Harriet learns important lessons in acceptance and friendship. With the help of her teacher and nanny, she discovers ways to be comfortable in her own skin and to express her individuality without alienating her schoolmates. With recognition, respect and understanding of her classmates, she begins to form stronger relationships and starts to feel accepted for who she is.
The book highlights themes of identity, friendship, acceptance and social exclusion, which many children still experience today. Through Harriet’s journey, children are reminded that it is important to be an individual and to accept the individuals around us. Harriet the Spy has been hailed for its progressive portrayal of a female protagonist, in a time when both children’s literature and society were still largely dominated by patriarchal standards.
Since its original publication, the book has been adapted into a popular feature film, comic book, and even a stage musical. Inspired by the story of an independent, questioning young girl, these adaptations demonstrate the timelessness of Harriet’s story. Louise Fitzhugh dedicated the book to the independent-minded young women everywhere who could see themselves in Harriet and have since shaped her legacy.
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh has stood the test of time, inspiring many children and adults to be an individual and to accept the individuals around them. It is an enduring story of friendship, acceptance and the power of being true to oneself.
