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Tales to Tickle the Funnybone #3
Mein Freund Harold. ( Ab 10 J.).
Harold and his best friend, both hopeless geeks and societal misfits, try to survive unusual science experiments, the attacks of the football team, and other dangers of junior high school
105 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 1997
11 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Gary Paulsen
408 books3,978 followersGary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 27, 2025
The Schernoff Discoveries doesn't feel exactly like Gary Paulsen's other accounts drawn from his childhood, but it has more in common with them than most of his other humorous fiction. The unnamed main character and his friend Harold Schernoff are unpopular fourteen-year-olds with little direction in their life, but one thing sets them apart from the endless ranks of other confused adolescents: Harold's particular genius for dissecting problems and coming up with innovative solutions. This talent lands them in a number of crazy situations that Harold bails them out of more often than not. Our main character can't rely on his drunkard parents for much, but growing up beside his best friend, he makes discoveries about life that serve him ever after. Being a teenager is one wild ride.
"A person can do practically anything for a short time if he doesn't think he has to do it for life."
—The Schernoff Discoveries, P. 55
"There is always a solution. For everything. Always. Sometimes it isn't pretty and takes a little longer, but there is still a solution."
—The Schernoff Discoveries, P. 10
Set in the era of Gary Paulsen's youth (so probably the 1950s), Harold and his pal think of ways to zest up their daily lives. Whether it's inventing new uses for electricity, applying scientific techniques to getting girls to like them, learning to ski because it's a popular winter pastime, or going fishing and almost being killed by a monster fish roaming the river, Harold and our main character figure out that life's not so bad when you have a true friend with whom to share it. The main character doesn't realize how much this brilliant nerd means to him until a leviathan almost drowns him, but he won't lose sight of that fact again.
"Death is easy—it's living that's hard."
—The Schernoff Discoveries, P. 47
Neither of our protagonists has money for things they want. They try to remedy that by setting pins at the bowling alley, a job that frequently results in injury to the kids who do it. It's thankless, exhausting work, but teaches the two friends about working hard to get ahead in the world. It also helps them put one over on Chimmer, a fellow employee who bullies them at school but backs off because of a fortuitous incident at the bowling alley. When fate breaks your way, you should accept it and not ask questions. Harold brainstorms a less dangerous way to earn money faster, and shares it with his friend. They could make enough to buy an old beater car, and what a thrill it would be for two fourteen-year-olds to take their own automobile for a spin around town. However things changed as they reached adulthood and moved on with their lives, our main character would never forget the good times with Harold. Someday he'd write about them.
A book somewhat in the mold of John D. Fitzgerald's The Great Brain series (though not as wonderful), The Schernoff Discoveries blurs the line between fiction and reality for Gary Paulsen, whose childhood was not especially nice. Remembering the good parts and tweaking them to be funnier is a great way to reflect back on your life when it may not have always been rosy. Writers have tremendous opportunity to do that, sharing their experiences with people who will be entertained by the half-truth reminiscences. The Schernoff Discoveries isn't one of Gary Paulsen's top novels, but it has more substance than many of his comedy stories, and I might rate it two and a half stars. There's much to like about this book.
"A person can do practically anything for a short time if he doesn't think he has to do it for life."
—The Schernoff Discoveries, P. 55
"There is always a solution. For everything. Always. Sometimes it isn't pretty and takes a little longer, but there is still a solution."
—The Schernoff Discoveries, P. 10
Set in the era of Gary Paulsen's youth (so probably the 1950s), Harold and his pal think of ways to zest up their daily lives. Whether it's inventing new uses for electricity, applying scientific techniques to getting girls to like them, learning to ski because it's a popular winter pastime, or going fishing and almost being killed by a monster fish roaming the river, Harold and our main character figure out that life's not so bad when you have a true friend with whom to share it. The main character doesn't realize how much this brilliant nerd means to him until a leviathan almost drowns him, but he won't lose sight of that fact again.
"Death is easy—it's living that's hard."
—The Schernoff Discoveries, P. 47
Neither of our protagonists has money for things they want. They try to remedy that by setting pins at the bowling alley, a job that frequently results in injury to the kids who do it. It's thankless, exhausting work, but teaches the two friends about working hard to get ahead in the world. It also helps them put one over on Chimmer, a fellow employee who bullies them at school but backs off because of a fortuitous incident at the bowling alley. When fate breaks your way, you should accept it and not ask questions. Harold brainstorms a less dangerous way to earn money faster, and shares it with his friend. They could make enough to buy an old beater car, and what a thrill it would be for two fourteen-year-olds to take their own automobile for a spin around town. However things changed as they reached adulthood and moved on with their lives, our main character would never forget the good times with Harold. Someday he'd write about them.
A book somewhat in the mold of John D. Fitzgerald's The Great Brain series (though not as wonderful), The Schernoff Discoveries blurs the line between fiction and reality for Gary Paulsen, whose childhood was not especially nice. Remembering the good parts and tweaking them to be funnier is a great way to reflect back on your life when it may not have always been rosy. Writers have tremendous opportunity to do that, sharing their experiences with people who will be entertained by the half-truth reminiscences. The Schernoff Discoveries isn't one of Gary Paulsen's top novels, but it has more substance than many of his comedy stories, and I might rate it two and a half stars. There's much to like about this book.
March 7, 2024
The Schernoff Discoveries by Gary Paulsen is a departure from the author's classic young adult literature. While Paulsen has crafted many enjoyable tales, this one falls short of expectations. The novel follows Harold Schernoff, a 14-year-old science enthusiast with theories for every problem he encounters.
However, the execution of these theories leads to chaotic and often dangerous situations. From electrocuting himself in a misguided attempt to gain X-ray vision to seeking revenge on bullies with laxatives, Harold's adventures take a troubling turn.
While The Schernoff Discoveries offers a quick and easy read, it lacks the depth and maturity found in Paulsen's other works. The humor tends towards the juvenile, and the characters' actions may not set the best examples for young readers.
Overall, while Gary Paulsen has penned many memorable stories, The Schernoff Discoveries falls short of his usual standard. Both children and adults may find better options for their reading pleasure elsewhere.
However, the execution of these theories leads to chaotic and often dangerous situations. From electrocuting himself in a misguided attempt to gain X-ray vision to seeking revenge on bullies with laxatives, Harold's adventures take a troubling turn.
While The Schernoff Discoveries offers a quick and easy read, it lacks the depth and maturity found in Paulsen's other works. The humor tends towards the juvenile, and the characters' actions may not set the best examples for young readers.
Overall, while Gary Paulsen has penned many memorable stories, The Schernoff Discoveries falls short of his usual standard. Both children and adults may find better options for their reading pleasure elsewhere.
February 14, 2020
Funny and compelling reading.
June 17, 2020
It was really short and meant for little kids. It was simply written and nothing happened and didn't affect me in any way. I would never touch it but I had to for reading comp.
December 13, 2022
Un piccolo gioiello autobiografico
February 25, 2025
This is the most boring Italian book I've read. Sure, I like the theme of it taking place in highschool. But overall, worst book of the month(or maybe year).
August 15, 2023
Sicuramente l'adolescenza non è piacevole quando tu e il tuo migliore amico siete i due ragazzi più impopolari della scuola. Se lui, poi, è anche un giovane scienziato, che, senza rendersene conto, riesce sempre a rendere le cose più complicate - ma anche terribilmente divertenti - le cose sicuramente non migliorano.
Un breve romanzo sull'adolescenza, ma anche sul valore dell'amicizia, sul bullismo e su come si possa essere amici di persone tanto diversi Eda noi, creando un legame tanto profondo.
Un romanzo permeato di ironia, che garantisce sorrisi e risate in quasi ogni pagina e che affronta tematiche anche serie senza mai rinunciare a strappare al lettore un momento di allegria.
Un romanzo che riesce a trattare anche tematiche serie e interessanti intervallandole costantemente con sketch divertenti degni di consumati comici.
Una lettura piacevole se volete perdervi in un pomeriggio di ironia pungente.
Un breve romanzo sull'adolescenza, ma anche sul valore dell'amicizia, sul bullismo e su come si possa essere amici di persone tanto diversi Eda noi, creando un legame tanto profondo.
Un romanzo permeato di ironia, che garantisce sorrisi e risate in quasi ogni pagina e che affronta tematiche anche serie senza mai rinunciare a strappare al lettore un momento di allegria.
Un romanzo che riesce a trattare anche tematiche serie e interessanti intervallandole costantemente con sketch divertenti degni di consumati comici.
Una lettura piacevole se volete perdervi in un pomeriggio di ironia pungente.
April 15, 2016
Dec 17 2014
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best part of this whole book so far is when Harold went on a date with a girl and put his tongue in her ear. This was truly the funniest part of the whole novel. As well another interesting scene is when the boys handed in the gulf bulls and managed to buy a car that broke down after less then 10 miles. This book is great because it is very funny, and interesting. This book would be better if the author would switch point of views to Harold's point of view it would just be more enjoyable. You should read this book if you like comedy, want to know or have known how high school is. The action kind of lacked in some parts of the story but the comedy was even better. The setting is a normal high school the cool kids the nerds. The characters are good a little more variety but they are a sufficient amount to know what is going on in the story. The can go from feeling sad for people that are getting bullied to happy when the boys buy a car. The theme is bullying and how it feels, the author really shows how much of a hard time the boys are having and you know how terrible it feels. Overall the novel is interesting, funny, and crazy.
Dec 9 pg1-50 (100 minutes) SPOILER ALERT!!!! The best part of the story so far is when the boys join home Ec class to be with the girls, that was by far the hardest of laughed in the novel. I think this book is great because I can relate to the story and the characters really well, I admire Harold, because all of his crazy scientific theories and ideas, and overall he is a very smart person. This book would be better if, there was more action from all the other Gary Paulsen books I have read they were action packed novels. You should read this book if you had a bad time in high school or you like witty jokes and comedy. In the book as I stated there is not a lot of action. The setting is in high school in a regular kind of high school, you have the jocks and the nerds and the people that get shoved into lockers. These are key aspects that make the book more enjoyable. The theme is that people should not bully others many of the characters went through painful moments and readers get a taste of how that feels and it is unpleasant. Overall this was a very enjoyable story.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best part of this whole book so far is when Harold went on a date with a girl and put his tongue in her ear. This was truly the funniest part of the whole novel. As well another interesting scene is when the boys handed in the gulf bulls and managed to buy a car that broke down after less then 10 miles. This book is great because it is very funny, and interesting. This book would be better if the author would switch point of views to Harold's point of view it would just be more enjoyable. You should read this book if you like comedy, want to know or have known how high school is. The action kind of lacked in some parts of the story but the comedy was even better. The setting is a normal high school the cool kids the nerds. The characters are good a little more variety but they are a sufficient amount to know what is going on in the story. The can go from feeling sad for people that are getting bullied to happy when the boys buy a car. The theme is bullying and how it feels, the author really shows how much of a hard time the boys are having and you know how terrible it feels. Overall the novel is interesting, funny, and crazy.
Dec 9 pg1-50 (100 minutes) SPOILER ALERT!!!! The best part of the story so far is when the boys join home Ec class to be with the girls, that was by far the hardest of laughed in the novel. I think this book is great because I can relate to the story and the characters really well, I admire Harold, because all of his crazy scientific theories and ideas, and overall he is a very smart person. This book would be better if, there was more action from all the other Gary Paulsen books I have read they were action packed novels. You should read this book if you had a bad time in high school or you like witty jokes and comedy. In the book as I stated there is not a lot of action. The setting is in high school in a regular kind of high school, you have the jocks and the nerds and the people that get shoved into lockers. These are key aspects that make the book more enjoyable. The theme is that people should not bully others many of the characters went through painful moments and readers get a taste of how that feels and it is unpleasant. Overall this was a very enjoyable story.
December 3, 2012
GARY PAULSEN
Harold Schernoff is an unpopular boy at school who thinks he has found solutions of every problem. Him and his best friend go about to set those theories in action. They buy a car, even though they are 14, learn ho to talk to girls, give the football team laxatives, and attempt to become skiers, but nothing ever goes according to plan. This novel is just about two best friends and the adventures they have.
It is a funny story about friendship and is very innocent. It is definitely written towards younger teens. I felt that it was funny at times, but it had a sort of humor that younger people would enjoy more. It was an alright book, but a little boring. Instead of having one bog conflict they are trying to solve in the novel, there are a few small ones which leaves the book with no real ending. It is just a series of little experiences they have. There is no real moral or lesson it teaches besides friendship.
Harold Schernoff is an unpopular boy at school who thinks he has found solutions of every problem. Him and his best friend go about to set those theories in action. They buy a car, even though they are 14, learn ho to talk to girls, give the football team laxatives, and attempt to become skiers, but nothing ever goes according to plan. This novel is just about two best friends and the adventures they have.
It is a funny story about friendship and is very innocent. It is definitely written towards younger teens. I felt that it was funny at times, but it had a sort of humor that younger people would enjoy more. It was an alright book, but a little boring. Instead of having one bog conflict they are trying to solve in the novel, there are a few small ones which leaves the book with no real ending. It is just a series of little experiences they have. There is no real moral or lesson it teaches besides friendship.
September 17, 2013
Harold and his fried The narrator tell us about their many mishaps in school and learning experiences. Some of their experiences are fishing, skiing, blowing up a pen in an electrical socket and even a first date. Harold and his buddy go through a lot and his buddy consistently tries to talk him out of the "stupid" ideas he has to get him to do something different. Overall tale of boys doing some dumb things. (Boys do this I know I have two) I was looking for something funny but it was a let down. This book would be good if you had a student who was on the unpopular side as that is what these boys are. It could be used as a laugh at the middle school level but really was not my cup of tea. Noit sure if my students would like this book or not.
September 21, 2013
This 103-page book seems to be an autobiographical book about Gary's middle school years. It contains a lot of things that really happened to him--working at a bowling alley, his parents being drunk all of the time, failing school, etc. Each chapter is about a different adventure he and his friend, Harold, dreamed up. I'm sure these stories have been embellished. I laughed all of the way through the book. I especially liked the ski story and the story of Harold's first date.
There are some instances where a boy gets hit in the place that really hurts, and the ski hill they went down was known as Nut-Buster Hill. So I don't think I'd recommend the book to my granddaughters. It's written on a 5th grade level.
There are some instances where a boy gets hit in the place that really hurts, and the ski hill they went down was known as Nut-Buster Hill. So I don't think I'd recommend the book to my granddaughters. It's written on a 5th grade level.
February 27, 2015
Eine Empfehlung an alle. Mal wieder was richtig witziges. Ein kleines Schmankl für zwischendurch von Gary Paulsen.
Harold und sein Freund sind Aussenseiter im Alter von 14 Jahren und versuchen beliebt zu werden! Harold ist ein Supergenie und sein Freund der die Geschichte in der Ich-Perspektive erzählt ist keine Leuchte. Aber profitieren auf Ihre Weise voneinander und haben eine ungewöhnliche Freundschaft!
Richtig witzig mal wieder und cool! Seid doch auch mal Harolds Freund. Der ist echt ´n Nerd! ;P
Harold und sein Freund sind Aussenseiter im Alter von 14 Jahren und versuchen beliebt zu werden! Harold ist ein Supergenie und sein Freund der die Geschichte in der Ich-Perspektive erzählt ist keine Leuchte. Aber profitieren auf Ihre Weise voneinander und haben eine ungewöhnliche Freundschaft!
Richtig witzig mal wieder und cool! Seid doch auch mal Harolds Freund. Der ist echt ´n Nerd! ;P
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March 27, 2013This book overall was a great one because it is a hilarious book and made me laugh quite a bit. This book is also a good good because it would be cool how to use Harold Schernoff's science to solve many great and funny problems.
December 12, 2014
The Schernoff Discoveries by Gary Paulsen. I had very different feeling about this book. In some parts of this book I was very confused on what was going on but in some parts of the book it was clear what they where saying. But in all i enjoyed the book.
December 9, 2014
Such a relief to listen to after the last long dismal book. This was only 2 discs long and way too short. I'd like to hear more adventures of Harold, the science whiz, and his friend who narrates the story and who, I just discovered, doesn't appear to have a name.
July 20, 2015
Not my favorite Paulsen book. It doesn't even sound like him. It was too juvenile, but in the end, it makes it seem like it's a memoir of his childhood. If it's nonfiction, then I like it a little better.
July 28, 2016
Two nerdy kids and their escapades at school. A quick, fun read. I picked this one up in a " Little Free Library" while on vacation. It provided an entertaining afternoon. I will read anything Gary Paulsen writes.
April 13, 2008
Hilarious! Love GARY PAULSEN!
January 3, 2009
I loved this book, but my 6th graders had a noticeable generational removal from the jokes and pranks of the day.
March 15, 2010
really funny!!!
May 2, 2010
I thought this book was hilarious and laughed out lout all the way through.
August 17, 2010
Hilarious! The ski scene was the funniest. I laughed for a whole 10 minutes. It still brings a smile to my face.
April 13, 2012
HILLIARIOUS!
August 11, 2014
Funny! A primer for every adolescent boy. Any adolescent girl reading this book will benefit as well to help her understand all the goofy things the boys are doing.
November 27, 2014
This book just wasn't my cup of tea. I had to read it for a school assignment.
October 25, 2014
Need a good, relaxing chuckle? This is it. Stories of these boys mirror Gary's own upbringing. Reading this book felt like getting to know Gary's turf.
December 1, 2015
Perfect book for middle school boys. Things don't change...
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December 17, 2016Not sure which part I thought was the funniest. Their trying to learn to ski or when the two young boys decide to take home economics class.
May 17, 2012
A quick read--not a Paulsen favorite, but filled with the usual middle school problems.
March 23, 2014
Decent book, but more like memoirs than an actual story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews