I read this book when I was about 9 or 10. I loved it. I identified with the character. I understand parent's concerns with the book, but kids can understand and judge much more than we give them credit for.
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Harriet the Spy
(1964, Fiction - Humor, Written by Louise Fitzhugh)
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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?
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Common Sense says
Emotionally charged tale of a strong-willed girl.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 9 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
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.
Read our full review by Stephany Aulenback
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?
Our Members Say
See all 8 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give itMy concerns are:
- My highlights are:
Perfect for ages 9-11.
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Negative role models
Adventurous and humorous, but definately needs filtering.
Adventurous and humorous, but definately needs filtering. Harriet is not a good role model for my child. She thinks very wrong things about people's weight and facial appearances. She swears and yells at her parents. Her friend is constantly talking about blowing up people and also the dance school. This is all by only Chapter 5. Not appropriate for any age really.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
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.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
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.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents don't feel there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
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