This review was written by Eugene Kernes
“”Since I could write. Ole Golly told me if I was going to be a writer I better write down everything, so I’m a spy that writes down everything”” – Louise Fitzhugh, Chapter 2, Page 36
“Of course not. Can you see Mata Hari in a gym suit? First of all, if you wear your spy clothes everyone knows you’re a spy, so what have you gained? No, you have to look like everyone else, then you’ll get by and no one will suspect you.” – Louise Fitzhugh, Chapter 5, Page 87
“Sport was pulling at her sleeve. He whispered frantically, “you can’t quit. This is a SCHOOL.” But it was too late. Even that mild thing, Beth Ellen, was laughing her head off.” – Louise Fitzhugh, Chapter 7, Page 151
Overview:
Harriet wants to be a writer. To practice, Harriet writes down everything about everyone. To be a writer, Harriet became a spy. Carrying around spy tools and writing supplies on a belt while going on spy routes around the neighborhood. Always carrying a notebook, with thoughts on everyone. Harriet is a spy, but is also learning what it is to be a spy. A spy is not supposed to get caught. For Harriet, it was worse than getting caught, as the notebook was misplaced and was picked up by a classmate who then started to read the content to everyone. The content containing many details that the classmates did not want to hear about themselves. This created discord and friction even among Harriet’s friends, which brings with it an understanding of the value of friendship.
This is a book about negotiation skills, and emotional
turmoil. Teaching not only how to be a
spy, but also how to treat others.
Teaching how to belong to a community.
Caveats?
This book does not make light of
emotional turmoil. Which makes the book
very difficult emotionally. But bringing
with it an understanding on how to manage emotions.
