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Book Summary

Reviewed by Stephany Aulenback

Harriet's in trouble when her classmates read about themselves in her secret notebook. When they start a Spy Catchers' Club--and guess who's not invited to join--Harriet turns to her nanny for help. Kids might not like the idea of Harriet writing about them, but they'll certainly enjoy reading what she has to say about everybody in her world!

Is It Any Good?

4

A children's favorite, especially among girls, for almost 40 years, this book is honest in its portrayal of the desperation and loneliness Harriet feels -- first, when her nanny leaves her and, later, when her friends turn against her. Most children experience traumas like these as they grow up, and they will recognize themselves in the wounded creature that Harriet becomes. Girls, in particular, will identify with Harriet's confusion and will learn from her strong drive to be true to herself.

Best of all, while HARRIET THE SPY deals with tough problems, such as how to deal with peer rejection and how to carry on without a beloved friend, it also manages, thanks to author Louise Fitzhugh's keen sense of the ridiculous, to be cheerful and often hilarious. Readers may even be inspired to start keeping their own notebooks -- though they shouldn't be so zealous as she is.

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