June 2015

BotM-HarrietTheSpy

Harriet The Spy

Louise Fitzhugh

Harriet M. Welsch is a spy. In her notebook, she writes down everything she knows about everyone, even her classmates and her best friends. Then Harriet loses track of her notebook, and it ends up in the wrong hands. Before she can stop them, her friends have read the always truthful, sometimes awful things she's written about each of them. Will Harriet find a way to put her life and her friendships back together?

Activities

  1. Harriet's spy observations strengthened her writing abilities. Create your own spy diary by recording observations from your daily life. Whether you live in an urban or rural neighborhood, you can observe all kinds of life just out your front door. Remember that you’re your notes should be factual - but not insulting - to avoid the troubles Harriet encountered with her classmates!

  2. Harriet accidentally hurt many of her friends when they read what she said about them in her notebook. Can you think of a time when you might have accidentally hurt a friend or family member? What lessons did you learn that can help you avoid hurting them again in the future? Why do you think it is it important to be kind to others?

  3. This year's Summer Reading theme "Every Hero Has a Story" inspires children to read about all types of heroes, including heroes that we encounter in everyday life. Visit your local public library to check out books about other heroes and participate in fun reading activities.

  4. Did you know that Harriet the Spy was adapted into a movie? After you have finished reading the book, call your local library to see if the movie is available. What are some of the differences between the book and the movie? Do you like envisioning the characters in your mind through the book or watching the story unfold on the screen?