Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Harriet the Spy

film

Harriet the Spy

1996

Harriet may only be in the sixth grade, but she's already found her calling: to be a spy. In a private journal she takes everywhere, Harriet records suspicious activity and keeps a running list of observations on virtually everyone she knows. It seems harmless enough until, one day, someone finds the journal and exposes Harriet's critical thoughts about her classmates. Suddenly, even her best friends are against her, and Harriet resolves to take revenge.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best for about age 10 and up because of bullying, social humiliation, parental conflict, a caregiver’s departure, revenge schemes, and mild physical aggression, balanced by clear emotional growth and reparations. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Strong language2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The film was produced under the Nickelodeon Movies banner, but the plot does not appear to push products or brands.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features mild insults and name-calling typical of sixth-grade dynamics.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very brief references to Golly's social life; romance is not a central theme.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Harriet encounters some tense moments while spying, such as hiding in a dumbwaiter at a mansion, which may be mildly suspenseful.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

School bullying, paint poured on Harriet, a slap, hair cutting, sabotage, and prank-based retaliation occur without severe injury.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Harriet faces embarrassment, isolation, and difficult apologies; her bravery is mixed with reckless spying and retaliation.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Writing, observing people, journalism, spy play, art, science, and inventive pranks make creativity central to the story.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a varied classroom environment typical of an urban setting.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It lightly encourages writing, observation, creative expression, and reflection on friendships, but education is not the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, forgiveness, and support are important, though the characters also engage in bullying, exclusion, and revenge before reconciling.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages support honesty, accountability, apology, friendship, individuality, empathy, and repairing harm after hurtful choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Harriet is creative and determined but initially cruel and retaliatory; adults and friends help her accept responsibility and change.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Harriet the Spy would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Harriet the Spy, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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