Harriet the Spy

Love her detective work. yes I'm 79 years old and I enjoy children's books. No sex. No dirty language, just a delightful read.

I first read this book while participating in a 6th grade speed reading class. As a young boy, I was fascinated with the spying aspect, colorful characters and New York atmosphere. This book really began my love affair with reading. After a 45 year absence, I just reread this wonderful story and revived my love of reading. A great book to feed the imagination of a bored youngster! Highly recommended!!

I was a voracious and compulsive reader as a child, and grew up overseas without television, so my books were my companions. When I didn't have a new book to read, I re-read the books I liked. Harriet the Spy was one that I re-read multiple times. I identified with Harriet and enjoyed reading about her life in New York. I also liked the novel because it was the first that had me laughing out loud -- the candor of her observations, albeit often insensitive, ring so true of the way children really do see others before they develop empathy. I adored this book so much, I read it to my older two children when they were younger. I'm now reading with my youngest child. I never cease to be amazed at how modern this book remains. It was written the year I was born, yet its language, themes, and characters seem contemporary. Tomato sandwiches are still my favorite. I wonder if Harriet is responsible?