David L. Harrison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David L. Harrison
Harrison at the opening of David L. Harrison Elementary
Born	David Lee Harrison (1937-03-13) March 13, 1937 (age 88)
Occupation	Author poet
Nationality	American
Education	Drury University (BA) Emory University (MS)
Genre	Children's literature
Spouse	Sandy
Children	2

David Lee Harrison is a well-known American author and poet. He writes many books and poems especially for young readers. He was born on March 13, 1937.

David Harrison's Writing Career

David Harrison's stories, poems, and factual books for kids are very popular. They have appeared in over 200 different books and have been translated into 12 languages. You can find his work in many places, even on a library sidewalk or a bookmobile! His works have also been shared on TV, radio, and online.

He has written 108 books in total. Eighteen of these books are for teachers, helping them in their work. Mr. Harrison is currently the Poet Laureate for the State of Missouri. He holds this special title from July 2023 to June 2025. He has also been the Poet Laureate for Drury University since 1983.

A School Named After Him

There is even a school named after him! David Harrison Elementary School is in Springfield, Missouri. He has given many important talks at colleges and schools. He has also been a special guest at hundreds of events. These include conferences, workshops, and literature festivals all across America.

His Education and Achievements

David Harrison earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Drury University in 1959. He then received a Master of Science degree from Emory University in 1960. He also has two special honorary degrees called Doctor of Letters. Two of his poetry books, Pirates (2003) and Crawly School for Bugs (2018), were chosen to represent Missouri at the National Book Fair in Washington, D.C.

David Harrison's Work History

Before becoming a full-time writer, David Harrison had several interesting jobs:

• 1953–58: He was a musician, playing the trombone in the symphony orchestra in Springfield, Missouri.
• 1959–: He started writing stories for adults. Later, he began writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children. He also wrote professional books for teachers.
• 1960–63: He worked as a pharmacologist for Mead Johnson in Indiana. This job involves studying how medicines work.
• 1963–73: He was an editor and editorial manager at Hallmark Cards in Missouri.
• 1973–2008: He owned a business called Glenstone Block Company. He also owned Glen Block Hardware stores in several Missouri towns. These included Springfield, Branson, and Camdenton.
• 1984–2018: He was a co-owner of Gamble’s Gifts in Springfield, Missouri.

David Harrison's Family Life

David Harrison and his wife, Sandy, live in Springfield, Missouri. They have two grown children. Their daughter, Robin, has a husband named Tim and two children, Kris and Tyler. Their son is named Jeff.

Awards and Honors for David Harrison

David Harrison has received many awards for his writing and his contributions to children's literature:

• 1973: Christopher Award for his book The Book of Giant Stories.
• 1978: Award for Outstanding Contributions to Children's Literature from Central State University.
• 1993: Nominee for the Kentucky Blue Grass Award for Somebody Catch My Homework. He was nominated again in 2022.
• 1994, 2002: Celebrate Literacy Award from the Springfield Council of the International Reading Association (IRA).
• 1994, 2023: Celebrate Literacy Award from the Missouri State Reading Association.
• 1994, 2002: Friend of Education Award from the Missouri State Teachers Association.
• 1994: Children's Choice Award from IRA/Children's Book Council for Somebody Catch My Homework.
• 1995: Children's Choice Award for When Cows Come Home.
• 1997: Children's Choice Award for A Thousand Cousins.
• 1995: When Cows Come Home was added to the Recommended Reading List by the Kansas State Reading Association.
• 1996–97: When Cows Come Home was also on the Master List of the Virginia Young Readers Program.
• 2001: IRA Local Council Community Service Award for his "Sky High on Reading" project. This project helped promote reading.
• 2001: Missouri Governor's Humanities Award.
• 2006: The Missourian Award.
• 2014: Pioneer in Education Award for his dedicated service to public education.
• 2020: He was the very first person to receive the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award for Children’s Literature.