The Three Lives of Harris Harper
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Between his summer babysitting job, his anxieties about talking to girls and his increasing sense that his family is embarrassing, 12-year-old Harris is having a stressful summer. He is forced to re-assess his priorities, with funny results.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
149 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Harris learned about himself in each of his 'three lives'?
How did Harris' friendships change throughout the book? Why do you think those changes happened?
If you could live three different lives like Harris, what would you choose to be?
What were some of the challenges Harris faced and how did he overcome them?
How do you feel about the way the story ended? What other ending can you imagine for Harris?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, pause at key moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings, enhancing creative thinking skills.
Discuss the moral lessons Harris learns in his various lives to instill values of perseverance and adaptability.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to deepen their understanding and personal connection.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone to match the mood of the story, to keep the reading session interactive and lively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story illustrates how the main character, Harris Harper, navigates through three distinct phases of his life, adapting to new environments and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see change as a natural and positive part of life, helping them to adapt smoothly to new classes, schools, or locations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Persistence
Explanation: Throughout his three lives, Harris faces various obstacles but his determination never wavers, teaching the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in completing a difficult school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Valuing Relationships
Explanation: Harris Harper's journey highlights the significance of different relationships in each phase of his life, showing how they shape his identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of nurturing relationships with family and friends, understanding that these connections provide support and love.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery
Explanation: As Harris transitions through his different lives, he discovers more about his own strengths, weaknesses, and desires.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of self-reflection and understanding oneself, which is crucial in personal development and making life choices.