Bill Harley

Bill Harley is a storyteller, musician, and author for young readers whose performances and books find comedy in ordinary school and family life. Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year begins his Charlie Bumpers series with a fourth grader who learns that strict Mrs. Burke will be his teacher. Peachtree identifies Harley as author, Adam Gustavson as illustrator, and the 2013 edition for ages seven to ten. Publishers Weekly independently reviews the same ISBN and highlights Charlie's bad luck, quick dialogue, kindness toward a new classmate, and changing view of Mrs. Burke. Harley's experience as a spoken-word performer shapes the story's conversational rhythm and comic timing. The conflict grows from recognizable mistakes rather than extraordinary adventure, including Charlie's earlier accident with a sneaker and his fear of losing recess. Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year introduces a series about facing childhood problems with humor, empathy, and gradually improving judgment.