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Gary Paulsen |
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Gary Paulsen |
| Gary Paulsen was born on May 17, 1939. His father was in the military
and Gary moved a lot. He lived in the Philippines from 1946-1949. He had
a very unhappy childhood since both his parents were alcoholics. He never
did well in school and barely graduated. He ran away from home when he
was 14 years old and lived with relatives or on his own. He sold newspapers
to make money for food and clothes. One day he went into the public library
to get warm. The librarian there offered him his own library card and began
recommending books to him. He says, "I don't think of any of the good things
that have happened to me would have been possible without that librarian
and libraries in general...It saved me, it really did."
Paulsen writes mainly about nature and survival. Many of his stories are based on his realize experiences, such as being stranded in the woods (Hatchet) and running the Iditarod (Dogsong). His novels are excellent examples of the person vs. nature plot in young adult novels. His action stories about survival include obstacles such as alcoholism, death or surviving in the wilderness. His style is very realistic and descriptive. Most of his main characters are not from perfect families and usually find someone such as a member of the extended family to turn to. This was also true in Paulsen life since he lived with his grandmother and aunts for years while growing up. Three of Gary Paulsen's books have been chosen as Newbery Honor Books: Hatchet, Dogsong, and The Winter Room. Paulsen was the recipient of the 1997 Margaret A. Edwards Award for his lifetime achievement in writing for young adults. For more information about Gary Paulsen, visit his official website at: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/garypaulsen/ |
Title Available at the AIS Library
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Amos Get Famous Brian's Winter Canyons Dancing Carl Dogsong Dunc's Halloween Dunc's Undercover Christmas Foxman Grasseaters Harris and Me Hatchet The Haymeadow The Island My Life in Dog Years Nightjohn The River The Schernoff Discoveries Soldier's Heart Tracker The Voyage of the Frog The Winter Room |