Harriet the Spy  (1964), the hugely popular children’s classic novel by Louise Fitzhugh has been both beloved and banned , but it has never been ignored. Following is a selection of quotes from Harriet the Spy, an enduring book that has been beloved by generations of readers.

Louise Fitzhugh (1928 – 1974) hailed from Memphis, Tennessee. She had a varied education, studying art in Italy and France as well as New York City, where she took courses at the Art Students League and at Cooper Union.  It may not be surprising that she studied child psychology, art, and literature, as these seem to entwine in the books she produced.

Harriet the Spy put Fitzhugh on the literary map and cemented her legacy. A brief description from the 1964 HarperCollins edition:

“Harriet is determined to grow up to be Harriet M. Welsch, the famous writer; and in order to get a head start on her career, she spends part of every day on her spy route “observing” and noting down, in her singular, caustic, comic way, everything of interest to her. Read More→