Harris and Me
Appearance
![]() | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (June 2015) |
![]() Harris and Me first edition cover | |
Author | Gary Paulsen |
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Cover artist | Wendell Minor |
Language | English |
Publisher | Harcourt Children's Books |
Publication date | October 29, 1993 |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print (hardback & paperback) |
Pages | 168 pp (first edition) |
ISBN | 978-0-15-292877-3 |
OCLC | 28067113 |
813/.54 20 | |
LC Class | PS3566.A834 H37 1993 |
Harris and Me is a children's novel written by award-winning author Gary Paulsen. It was first published in 1993. The book is composed of a collection of vignettes with a subheading to preview each chapter. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association listed the book as one of its "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children."[1]
Plot summary
Characters
- The "Me" of the title is an eleven-year-old boy who narrates the story. Since "Harris and Me" is a memoir of Gary Paulsen's childhood, The "Me" is Gary Paulsen, Or at least in his point of view.
- Harris Larson: A hyperactive nine-year-old boy who loves kinetic adventures.
- Knute Larson: Harris's father, a coffee-guzzling farmer who almost never speaks.
- Louie: A farmhand on the Larson's place, who sleeps above the barn. He has no teeth and swallows his food without chewing. He also has a hobby of making small wooden sculptures, including a wooden hand sized bust of the main character in the memoir.
- Glennis Larson: Harris's older sister, who repeatedly slaps Harris for swearing, which happens numerous times a day.
- Clair Larson: Harris's mother, the cook of the family.
- Buzzer: A lynx who was found and raised by Louie as a pet.
- Ernie: An extremely aggressive rooster
- Vivian: A big cow who doesn't like to be touched or milked.
- Bill and Bob: The Huge Horses
Note: This is a memoir of a summer in the life of Gary Paulsen. It is said that he never went back to visit Harris.
Motifs
- Home life
- Belonging
- Family
- Acceptance
- Identity
References
- ^ National Education Association (2007). "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children". Retrieved August 19, 2012.
- Juliane F. Gillispie and Robert M. Otten. Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered: For Further Reference. Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults. Ed. Kirk H. Beetz. Vol 7. Beacham-Gale, 1990. January 2005. 26 June 2008.
- Nile, Amber. Harris and Me. Secondary English. 19 June 2008.
- Paulsen, Gary. Harris and Me. Orlando: Harcourt, Inc., 1993.