Step into the laugh-out-loud world of Tales To Tickle the Funnybone, where Gary Paulsen’s wit and heart capture the wild, messy joy of teenage life! This beloved children’s book series, penned by the award-winning American author, serves up six standalone novels packed with humor, mischief, and coming-of-age adventures. From farmyard shenanigans to schoolyard dreams, Paulsen’s stories resonate with young readers and nostalgic adults alike.
With a knack for turning everyday moments into hilarious escapades, Tales To Tickle the Funnybone invites you to chuckle at the chaos of youth. Whether it’s a city boy wrestling pigs or a shy teen dodging jocks, Paulsen’s vivid storytelling makes every page a delight. Ready to explore this timeless series? Let’s dive in!
How Tales To Tickle the Funnybone Began
Gary Paulsen, a master of young adult fiction, launched Tales To Tickle the Funnybone in 1990 with The Boy Who Owned the School. Known for his wilderness tales like Hatchet, Paulsen drew from his own turbulent childhood—marked by running away to join a carnival at 14 and a passion for storytelling—to craft this humorous series. His goal? To celebrate the absurdity and heart of adolescence, inspired by real-life pranks and personal experiences, including the autobiographical Harris and Me.
Paulsen’s knack for blending humor with raw emotion set the series apart. Over 16 years, he wrote six novels, each a standalone gem that captures a slice of teenage life. His Margaret Edwards Award in 1997 for young adult literature underscores his skill, and Tales To Tickle the Funnybone remains a testament to his comedic brilliance.
The Heart of Tales To Tickle the Funnybone
The series kicks off with The Boy Who Owned the School (1990), where shy Jacob Freisten navigates high school invisibility until a Wizard of Oz production throws him into the spotlight—and a crush. In Harris and Me (1993), a city boy spends a summer on his aunt and uncle’s farm, where his wild cousin Harris leads him through riotous adventures, from motorbike mishaps to barn-loft dares. The Schernoff Discoveries (1997) follows a nerdy teen’s quest for coolness, while The Amazing Life of Birds (2006) hilariously chronicles Duane’s puberty struggles.
Each book bursts with themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the chaos of growing up. Paulsen’s settings—rural farms, small-town schools—ground the stories, while his quirky characters, like the profanity-loving Harris, bring the laughs. His style is fast-paced, with vivid dialogue and slapstick humor that never overshadows the heartfelt moments of transformation.
What makes the series special is its honesty. Paulsen doesn’t shy away from tough realities—like dysfunctional families in Harris and Me—but wraps them in humor, making the stories relatable. Whether it’s surviving a summer of pranks or facing puberty’s awkwardness, Tales To Tickle the Funnybone celebrates resilience with a grin.
Why Tales To Tickle the Funnybone Resonates
Tales To Tickle the Funnybone has carved a niche in children’s literature for its universal appeal. Young readers love the laugh-out-loud antics, while adults cherish the nostalgic nod to youth’s triumphs and fumbles. Paulsen’s ability to craft flesh-and-blood characters ensures the series endures, even among his more famous works like Hatchet. Its standalone format makes it accessible, letting readers jump in anywhere.
The series’ impact lies in its blend of humor and heart. By tackling adolescence with authenticity, Paulsen inspires readers to embrace their quirks. Though less celebrated than his survival tales, Tales To Tickle the Funnybone remains a fan favorite, with Harris and Me often hailed as a comedic masterpiece for its raw, joyful energy.
- Publication Years: 1990–2006
- Number of Books: 6
- Notable Title: Harris and Me, inspired by Paulsen’s childhood
- Awards: Paulsen won the Margaret Edwards Award in 1997 for his young adult contributions
Grab Harris and Me and dive into Tales To Tickle the Funnybone’s hilarious, heartfelt world! Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, Paulsen’s stories will leave you laughing and longing for more.