Tools for this page
Print

Harriet the Spy

(1964, Fiction - Humor, Written by Louise Fitzhugh)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Emotionally charged tale of a strong-willed girl.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Harriet spies on her neighbors, going so far as to sneak into their houses. She also takes revenge on her classmates after they reject her.
  • Violence :

    Harriet is upset when her nanny quits, and deeply troubled when her classmates shun her.
  • Sex :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Harriet the Spy

Parents need to know that, even though she's the undeniable heroine of this classic children's novel, Harriet isn't the world's best role model. She's nosey, she thinks a lot of unkind thoughts, and she's also sneaky, stubborn, and self-absorbed. But those negative qualities only serve to make her more real and, ultimately, lovable.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the benefits of recording your thoughts and observations about the world around you in a journal that's meant for your eyes only. Are there things you'd write down on paper privately that you'd never say in public? If someone did happen to find your notebook and read it, would there be things in it that might hurt other people? How would you explain your actions?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Read It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Harriet the Spy?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 6 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    I THOUGHT IT WAS INTERESTING

    THE BOOK WAS AN INTERESTING BOOK TO BE. I THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY CREATIVE HOW THEY BUT A NOT BOOK INTO A CHAPTER BOOK. WE HAVE TO READ AR BOOKS AT MI SCHOOL SO I DECIDED TO GET HARRIET THE SPY BECAUSE WHEN I READ THE BACK OF THE BOOK IT SOUNDED INTERESTING.I GOT 7 OUT OF 10 QUESTIONS RIGHT. THE BOOK IS ABOUT HOW A GIRL HAS A PRIVET NOTEBOOK AND SHE WRITES ALL HER THOUGHTS DOWN ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE, EVEN HER FRIENDS. THEN ONE DAY HER FRIENDS GET A HOLD OF THE BOOK AND THEY ONLY READ THE THINGS THAT HARRIET WROTE ABOUT THEM THEN THEY WERE ALL MAD A HARRIET, THEN ONE DAY HARRIET HAS A TALK WITH HER FRIENDS THEN THEY ALL JUST BECOME FRIENDS AGAIN YOU HAVE TO READ THE BOOK IT IS TOO GOOD TO ME.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 4, 9
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 1.0

    Definately not a role model

    I don't like the things Harriet says and the way she thinks about people, even saying her own mother is dumb. She refers to people as fat as well. This is not proper or kind and not accepted in our household.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 4, 9
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 1.0

    Definately not a role model

    I don't like the things Harriet says and the way she thinks about people, even saying her own mother his dumb. She refers to people as fat as well. This is not proper or kind and not accepted in our household.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    Must read this book for 9-11 years old

    Harriet is a spy....and she had said that when she grow up she will be a writer because she loves to spy........

Find books reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Site of the Week

    Girls for a Change

    Girls for a Change

    Nonprofit helps girls become catalysts for social change.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Beach Body Blues

    Beach Body Blues

    Talk to your kids about body image and the media.

  • Must See TV

    BrainRush

    BrainRush

    Kid-friendly contest puts exciting twist on game shows.

  • Pick of the Week

    Swing, Batter Batter

    Swing, Batter Batter

    Best baseball games for kids.

  • Download This

    European Playground

    European Playground

    Give kids a taste of Europe's languages and rhythms.