Louise Fitzhugh (October 5, 1928 – November 19, 1974) was an American author and illustrator, best known for her classic children's novel Harriet the Spy. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, she grew up in New York City and studied art at Bard College and Cooper Union. Fitzhugh's works are noted for their psychological depth and rebellious spirit, challenging traditional gender and family norms in children's literature. Harriet the Spy, published in 1964, remains a beloved and influential book, adapted into films and TV series. She died of a brain aneurysm at age 46, but her legacy endures in the world of children's literature.