Harrison Brown, a fourth-grade student at Sharp Elementary School in Cherry Hill, along with his mom, has assembled a collection of jokes to raise money for autism research. The book, entitled Harrison’s Joke Book, includes over 120 jokes and riddles, supplied by the children, teachers and even the principal of Sharp Elementary School. Sharp students also provided comical illustrations. The book sells for three dollars.
Harrison has a form of autism called “Asperger’s Syndrome.” People with Asperger’s Syndrome can have difficulty reading body language and facial expressions, and often find socializing to be difficult. Harrison does struggle with some challenges in the social arena, but he is a bright and engaging child with a great sense of humor. He has memorized dozens of riddles.
“I was inspired to make this joke book because I really love jokes,” said Harrison. “My mom thought that it would be a great way to raise money for autism research.”
“Harrison is congratulated for his commitment, enthusiasm, and empathy in raising funds for such an outstanding cause,” Robert Homer, principal at Sharp said. “As a student at an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program school, Harrison exemplifies the character attitudes noted above, and he has engaged in the action component of the program. As part of the action component, he used his power to choose his action, to act and to reflect on that action in order to make a difference in and to the world.”
As of today, Harrison’s Joke Book has raised over $500 for Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks is a national organization that promotes autism awareness and funds autism research.
For more info about the book e-mail emailbarbarab@yahoo.com.
