Summary
Harriet the Spy, Louise Fitzhugh's groundbreaking 1964 children's novel, has captivated readers for generations with its honest portrayal of an observant and opinionated 11-year-old girl. The book follows Harriet M. Welsch, an aspiring writer who records brutally frank observations about her friends and neighbors in a secret notebook. Considered a milestone in children's literature, Harriet the Spy has sold millions of copies and inspired several adaptations, most notably the 1996 Nickelodeon film starring Michelle Trachtenberg. The novel's enduring popularity stems from its realistic depiction of childhood emotions and its exploration of themes like friendship, identity, and the power of words.
Plot
Harriet M. Welsch is an 11-year-old aspiring writer living in New York City's Upper East Side. Encouraged by her nanny, Ole Golly, Harriet spends her days observing and writing brutally honest notes about everyone she encounters, including her classmates and friends. She carries out her “spy route” each day, jotting down her observations in a secret notebook.
Harriet's life takes a dramatic turn when Ole Golly leaves to get married. Soon after, Harriet loses her notebook at school, and her classmates discover the often cruel things she has written about them. In retaliation, they form a “Spy Catcher Club” to make Harriet's life miserable. Harriet's grades begin to suffer, and her parents confiscate her notebook, leaving her feeling lost and depressed.
Eventually, with advice from Ole Golly and the intervention of a child psychiatrist, Harriet begins to mend her relationships. She is appointed editor of the class newspaper, which becomes a hit with her stories about the people on her spy route. Harriet uses the paper to apologize for her previous writings, and she is ultimately forgiven by her friends Sport and Janie. Through this experience, Harriet learns valuable lessons about the power of words and the importance of empathy in her relationships with others.
Themes
Coming of age and self-discovery
The importance of honesty and the consequences of deception
Value of friendship and forgiveness
Power of writing and self-expression
Dealing with change and loss
Conflict between individuality and social acceptance
Overcoming bullying and peer pressure
Setting
Set in the 1960s, Harriet the Spy takes place primarily on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This affluent section of New York City provides a backdrop of privilege and urban sophistication for the story's young protagonist. The era is characterized by social change and cultural upheaval, though these larger forces remain largely in the background of Harriet's daily life.
Harriet's world revolves around a few key locations. Her family's townhouse serves as her home base, while her school is the site of much of the drama that unfolds. The streets of the Upper East Side become Harriet's playground as she embarks on her “spy route,” observing neighbors and strangers alike. Notable spots on her route include a grocery store run by the Dei Santi family and the home of the mysterious Harrison Withers.
Beyond the confines of her neighborhood, the broader expanse of New York City looms large in Harriet's imagination. While she rarely ventures far from home, the energy and diversity of the city infuse the story with a sense of possibility and adventure. This urban setting, with its mix of public and private spaces, provides the perfect canvas for Harriet's keen observations and burgeoning writerly ambitions.
Characters
Harriet M. Welsch: The 11-year-old protagonist and aspiring writer who observes and writes about everyone around her.
Ole Golly: Harriet's nanny, who encourages her writing and observational skills before leaving to get married.
Sport Rocque: One of Harriet's best friends, a serious boy who wants to be an accountant or baseball player.
Janie Gibbs: Harriet's other best friend, who aspires to be a scientist.
Marion Hawthorne: Harriet's enemy and the self-appointed queen bee of their class.
Rachel Hennessy: Marion's best friend, who helps her torment Harriet.
Mr. and Mrs. Welsch: Harriet's parents, who struggle to understand and comfort her.
Mr. Waldenstein: Ole Golly's suitor, who becomes her fiance.
Pinky Whitehead: A classmate whom Harriet observes and writes about critically.
Quick facts
Harriet the Spy was first published in 1964 and has become a classic of children's literature.
It features an 11-year-old girl named Harriet M. Welsch who aspires to be a writer and a spy.
The story is set in New York City, in Manhattan’s affluent Upper East Side.
Harriet the Spy has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of childhood, complex characters, and exploration of difficult themes.
Harriet the Spy sparked controversy upon its release for depicting a child who lies, spies on others, and uses inappropriate language.
The book has been banned in some schools and libraries for allegedly setting a bad example for children.
Harriet the Spy won a Sequoyah Book Award in 1967 and has been included in numerous “best books” lists over the years.
Louise Fitzhugh wrote two sequels to Harriet the Spy—The Long Secret (1965) and Sport (1979).
Harriet the Spy was adapted into a 1996 film, starring Michelle Trachtenberg as Harriet.
The book later inspired a 2010 television film, starring Jennifer Stone as Harriet, titled Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars.
An animated TV series based on the book premiered on Apple TV+ in 2021.
The Apple TV tie-in edition of Harriet the Spy features an exclusive interview with voice actors Beanie Feldstein and Jane Lynch.
Harriet the Spy is generally recommended for children ages 8 to 12.
About the Author
Louise Fitzhugh was an American writer and illustrator. Her most famous work, Harriet the Spy (1964) is considered a forerunner of realistic children's fiction. The novel follows the adventures of an 11-year-old girl who aspires to be a spy and keeps detailed notes on her observations. Fitzhugh went on to write two sequels, The Long Secret (1965) and Sport, published posthumously in 1979.
Born in 1928 in Memphis, Tennessee, Fitzhugh attended several colleges but never obtained a degree. She eventually settled in New York City to pursue a career as a painter before finding her calling as a writer. Along with pushing boundaries in children’s literature, Fitzhugh's works often challenged societal norms and tackled contemporary social issues. Her 1969 picture book Bang Bang You're Dead conveyed a strong anti-war message, while Nobody's Family Is Going to Change (1975) explored women's and children's rights.
Tragically, Fitzhugh died of a brain aneurysm in 1974 at the age of 46. Despite her untimely death, her legacy lives on through her influential works, which continue to captivate readers and inspire adaptations across various media platforms.
