Harriet the Spy - Louise Fitzhugh

⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Magdalene)

Harriet is 11 and wants to be a writer and spy when she grows up, so she spends her time spying on people and writing down everything she sees, notices, and thinks in her notebook, and most of what she writes is not very complimentary. This book follows several of her adventures, but the main through-line is the departure of her nanny who has basically raised her and then what happens after her classmates find and read her notebook.

This book is so hilarious and entertaining, and Harriet is such a realistic 11-year-old. She's funny and smart, but she's also a huge brat. Every notebook entry we get to read is ridiculously scathing. This book was written in the 60s, and unfortunately, that means it includes some antiquated, now-offensive language, plus some fatphobia. Harriet also acts out a lot and isn't a good role model, although that's mostly because her nanny is gone and her parents aren't very involved in her life. Of course it's accurate for the time and Harriet is as imperfect as any kid, but that does make me hesitate to recommend it whole-heartedly for children today to read on their own without any guidance.