A Special Summer Adventure

Much like the beloved tale of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, the novel Harris and Me unfolds during an extraordinary summer, steeped in the vivid echoes of Paulsen's own youthful escapades. With his life turned topsy-turvy by the troubles of his alcoholic parents, our unnamed eleven-year-old narrator finds refuge on the remote Larson farm, miles away from the comforting bustle of his familiar town. Here, his only peer and faithful summer companion is Harris, a spirited nine-year-old reminiscent of Tom Sawyer, whose teasing words, "Man, you don't know nothing, do you?" ignite a summer brimming with laughter and mischief.

Quickly immersed in farm life, the narrator soon discovers that Harris is a tireless and energetic guide, eager to teach the ways of rural living. From the art of milking cows to the imaginative antics of soldiering among pigs, and even the strategic battle for a fair portion at the dining table, each day unravels its own set of challenges and customs. In this world, the meek and uninformed are tested, and the narrator learns that to thrive, and avoid embarrassment or fatigue, he must rise to Harris's level both in physical stamina and cunning.

Finding Belonging and Adventure

Every victory, every newfound ounce of knowledge, brings a rewarding sense of belonging to "Me." Within a mere fortnight at the Larson homestead, the narrator nearly forgets his previous life, as he joyfully immerses himself in the daily cadence of chores, backyard escapades, and biweekly trips to the nearest semblance of a town. More significantly, the Larsons warmly embrace him into their fold, affectionately dubbing him "Gooner," a testament to his newfound place in their family.

The story reaches its touching conclusion with a heartfelt letter to Gooner, sent as autumn blankets the landscape and he finds himself once more with his parents, urging him to "come back home," a promise of more cherished summers yet to come.