Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen is a beloved author that readers of all ages can appreciate. Paulsen has written over 200 books, many of which speak to overcoming struggles and living life to its fullest. From the wide range of genres, topics, and age-groups, it is clear Paulsen’s writing is diverse, relevant, and inspiring.

Paulsen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1939, to a father who worked as a traveling salesman and a mother who opened a resort. He was raised on a farm and spent his childhood roaming the woods and developing a deep love for nature and adventure. After dropping out of high school in tenth grade and spending some time in the military, Paulsen moved around the country and ended up in Alaska. He worked numerous jobs, such as trapping, hunting, and working on fishing boats to make ends meet. His love for nature allowed him to explore the wildlife, fish, and game in Alaska, and it is this exploration that influenced his stories and became an inspiration to his writing.

Paulsen’s debut novel, “Hatchet”, published in 1987, is his most popular work. It follows the story of 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who must survive in the Canadian wilderness after his plane crashes. It won the Newbery Honor award for literature in 1991 and was later adapted into a movie.

Another well-known novel by Paulsen is called “Dogsong”, which published in 1985. This novel follows a14-year-old boy named Russel Susskit. As he is discovering his own identity and encountering hardships from his family and the way of life in his village, he sets out on a quest to find himself and his destiny, guided by the night songs of the Eskimo huskies.

The strong sense of adventure evident in Paulsen’s writing shines through in “The Crossing”, his second novel published in 1989. It follows the adventure of a boy named Charlie, as he attempts to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains with only his dog, Sundance, as company.

Paulsen’s most recent book, “Neil Armstrong: A Life of Flight”, was published in 2019. It looks at Neil Armstrong’s astonishing life as an astronaut and the events leading up to the historical event of walking on the moon.

In addition to writing fiction, Paulsen has written many non-fiction books that dive into topics such as sailing, dogsledding, and wilderness survival. His novels are often filled with anecdotes from his own experience, which puts his readers directly into the action and allows them to explore the natural world.

Overall, Paulsen’s writing encourages adventure and curiosity, and resonates with readers of all ages. His writing is engaging, full of strength and courage, and speaks to the power of the human spirit. No matter what genre you choose, there is something for everyone in Gary Paulsen’s work.