This was one of my favorite books ever growing up. This book comforted me. It motivated me. It taught me about discipline and inspiration. Harriet had a writing practice. She had a spy route. She faithfully wrote every day. It was part of her identity. It gave her solace. It made her ask questions. It got her in trouble. The book talks about the importance of friendship and the need for adults to counsel and take care. It is about the power of words. It is about boundaries. It's about growing up. When I set out in the world in my jeans and my hooded sweatshirt, I think of Harriet the Spy.