Harriet the Spy

Reviewed by: Phyllis Fuchs - Curtis Memorial Library, Bunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2014

Review

In celebration of one of children's literature's most memorable characters, this special 50th anniversary edition displays the jacket art of the 1964 edition illustrated by the author, a map of Harriet's neighborhood with Harriet's spy route indicated, tributes by fourteen largely authors, and finally original correspondence from the publisher and editor to Louise Fitzhugh. For today's young readers of about ten years old and up and probably mostly girls, it is the story, of course, that will be of interest. It is also today's young readers who will determine whether or not the book remains a lively, realistic page turner. Much has changed in the world since Harriet's story of fifty years ago. If the problems Harriet experiences and their solutions as offered by Ole Golly remain engrossing and timeless ones, then young readers will easily accept Harriet's reaching for her notebook and not her cellphone for many years to come. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: excellent