Introduction
David Lee Harrison (born March 13, 1937) is an American children’s author and poet.
Professional career
Harrison's poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for young readers have been anthologized in more than 185 books, translated into twelve languages, sandblasted into a library sidewalk, painted on a bookmobile, and presented on television, radio, podcast, and video stream. Ten of his 90 books are professional works for teachers. He is poet laureate of Drury University. David Harrison Elementary School is named after him. He has given keynote talks, college commencement addresses, and been featured at hundreds of conferences, workshops, literature festivals, and schools across America.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drury University in 1959, a Master of Science degree from Emory University in 1960, and two Honorary Doctor of Letters degrees. His poetry collection, Pirates, represented Missouri at the 2013 National Book Fair in Washington, D.C.
Work history
- 1953-58 Musician: Principal trombonist, symphony orchestra, Springfield, Missouri
- 1959-Writer: stories for adult market; fiction, nonfiction, poetry for children; professional books for teachers
- 1960-63 Pharmacologist: Mead Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
- 1963-73 Editor/Editorial Manager: Hallmark Cards, Kansas City, Missouri
- 1973-2008 Business owner: Glenstone Block Company, Glen Block Hardware stores; Springfield, Branson, Branson West, Camdenton, Kaiser, Missouri
- 1984-Present business co-owner: Gamble’s Gifts, Springfield, Missouri
Personal information
Harrison and his wife Sandy live in Springfield, Missouri. They have two grown children, Robin (husband Tim and children Kris and Tyler) and Jeff (wife Jennifer).
Honors and awards
- Christopher Award, Christopher Foundation, 1973, for The Book of Giant Stories.
- Award for Outstanding Contributions to Children's Literature, Central State University, 1978.
- Distinguished Alumni Award, Drury College, 1981.
- Kentucky Blue Grass Award nominee, Kentucky State Reading Association, 1993, for Somebody Catch My Homework.
- Celebrate Literacy Award, Springfield Council of the International Reading Association (IRA), 1994 and 2002.
- Celebrate Literacy Award, Missouri State Reading Association, 1994.
- Friend of Education Award, Missouri State Teachers Association, 1994 and 2002.
- Children's Choice Award, IRA/Children's Book Council, 1994, for Somebody Catch My Homework, 1995, for When Cows Come Home, and 1997, for A Thousand Cousins.
- Inclusion on Recommended Reading List, Kansas State Reading Association, 1995, and Master List of Virginia Young Readers Program, Virginia State Reading Association, 1996–97, both for When Cows Come Home.
- IRA Local Council Community Service Award, 2001, for "Sky High on Reading" literacy project.
- Missouri Governor's Humanities Award, 2001.
- The Missourian Award, 2006.