37 pages • 1 hour read
Harriet the Spy
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1964
Middle grade
8-12 years
760L
Super Short Summary
In Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, eleven-year-old Harriet Welsch, an aspiring writer and spy, observes and records the lives of people in her Upper East Side neighborhood in a notebook. When her classmates find and read her unflattering observations, she faces isolation and hostility, prompting her to learn about empathy and the power of words to restore her friendships and harmony in her social world.
Playful
Humorous
Bittersweet
Adventurous
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
102,117 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Louise Fitzhugh's Harriet the Spy applaud its compelling portrayal of a young girl's curiosity and struggles, capturing childhood precocity and complex friendships. Though some critique its outdated social perspectives and blunt character interactions, it remains a beloved classic for its wit, emotional depth, and relatable protagonist.
Who Should Read Harriet the Spy?
A reader who enjoys Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is likely a middle-grade student who delights in stories about curiosity, independence, and personal growth. Fans of Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 by Beverly Cleary will appreciate Harriet's adventures and relatable challenges.
102,117 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1964
Middle grade
8-12 years
760L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.