Harriet the Spy
by Louise Fitzhugh
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Book Reviews of Harriet the Spy
Book Review: I'VE LOVED THIS SINCE I WAS EIGHT -- SPY ON THIS BOOK!
Summary: 5 Stars
This wonderful book had a strong, female protagonist who was clearly intelligent and eloquent. Harriet eavesdrops, peers through windows and skylights and records her impressions in a notebook. She has regular "spying" stops in the Upper East Side Manhattan neighborhood where she lives. She knows quite a bit about the people in her neighborhood, thanks to her observant nature.Harriet is a student at the prestigious Gregory School, where she has an assortment of friends -- scientific, aggressive Janie, meek, retiring Beth-Ellen and a fun loving boy called Sport.
When Harriet's notebook falls into the hands of her classmates, problems arise big time. Harriet has a baptism in fire trying to redeem herself in their eyes. Meanwhile, Harriet's nanny is leaving to get married, her formerly disinterested parents are pushing more into her life and lastly, Harriet herself is maturing.
I loved this book so much as a child and do today. This book even inspired me and countless others to keep a notebook. It was a book about the empowerment of a strong female character.
Book Review: No Fun from Beginning to End
Summary: 1 Stars
I had high hopes for Harriet, but how can anyone like, let alone want to spend 300 hundred pages with, such a wretched little brat. She's so boring and self-centered and just writes in her pathetic little spy book all day; where's the action? Action? Sorry, not with this book.
For those stuck in a temporarily selfish rut in their lives (hey all of us fall into it from time to time), or for those who feel like they are currently doing everything for everyone else and nothing for themselves, perhaps this book has some worth. For they may be able to relate to Harriet's anger and resentment at the whole world. But a hero? Hardly; Harriet has more of the qualities of a villain. Please look at the other 1 and 2 star reviews for other reasons to avoid this train wreck.
For those looking for a kids book with a female heroine that got it right, try Matilda by Roald Dahl, From the Mixed Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler by Konisburg or Inkheart by Funke. All heroines with some anger issues, but dealt with by much more talented authors.
Book Review: Harriet the Spy
Summary: 4 Stars
This is a story about a girl named Harriet who goes to a private middle school. One day Harriet decides to keep a journal and become a spy. She goes around town recording her opinions about everyone and everything she sees. Will her secrets be exposed? What will happen to Harriet? Read the book to find out.
I would recommend this book for children who enjoy reading about secrets being exposed and friendship.
In acting like a spy, she writes down things she observes about people. For example, she says a guy with purple socks is boring. Another example from her journal is when she says if Marian Hawthorne doesn't watch out, she's going to grow up into a lady dictator. One important secret she found out was that her friend was popular with everybody only because they liked her mother's lemonade.
Harriet's secrets get her in trouble with her classmates, but by telling the truth she wins her friends back.
I hope you buy this book and read about Harriet's problems and solutions.
Book Review: One of My Favorites
Summary: 5 Stars
Harriet the Spy
By Louise Fitzhugh
I have read Harriet the Spy, watched the movie and listened to the book on tape. I don't seem to tire of this story. My daughter was a writer from an early age, and has been known to carry around a journal, to record events and ideas. We were both devastated when Harriet's classmates got their hands on her notebook and read about her impressions of them.
If you have a tendency to spy or are curious about the world, you will not be disappointed by Hariet the Spy.
What would you do if someone discovered your secrets? Would you get even? Hide in your room, and never come out? Would you apologize and write good things about people in the school paper?
There was a hard lesson to be learned, but Hariet learned that being so honest doen't always pay. How about the golden rule?
Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Author: Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Book Review: Caution: darkness and complexity ahead
Summary: 1 Stars
Just a cautionary note to parents. This isn't a "fun" or innocent book for younger children, as you might imagine from a cursory look, or from what you might glean from the title and packaging. We got a few chapters into to before my daughter asked (begged) me to stop reading it. A lot of it is just downright mean, and not in any helpful sense. On reflection, why would we want to introduce young kids to such themes as alienation, existentialism, class warfare, entitlement, and on and on? Can't we allow them a few years of innocence and fun before the onslaught of the teenage turmoil and adulthood? And some of the effort to introduce complexity comes across as risible. I mean quoting Dostoesky? Honestly, how pretentious. If you want darkness, stimulation, character development, and excellent writing in a completely original imaginative landscape then try the Guardians of Ga'hoole series. My 8-year old has read the first seven volumes and can't put them down.