Gary Paulsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gary Paulsen
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Paulsen in 2012
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| Born | Gary James Paulsen May 17, 1939 Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | October 13, 2021 (aged 82) Tularosa, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Occupation | Author |
| Period | 1966–2021 |
| Genre | Children's fiction, young adult fiction, adventure novels, nonfiction |
| Subject | Adventure memoirs, sports |
| Notable works |
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| Notable awards | Margaret Edwards Award 1997 |
| Spouse | Ruth Wright Paulsen |
| Children | 3 |
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Gary James Paulsen (May 17, 1939 – October 13, 2021) was an American writer famous for his exciting adventure stories. He wrote over 200 books, mostly for teenagers, often about characters learning to survive and grow up in the wilderness. Paulsen was honored with the Margaret Edwards Award in 1997 for his amazing contributions to books for young adults. His most famous book is Hatchet, which tells the story of a boy who survives a plane crash in the wild.
Contents
Early Life
Gary Paulsen was born on May 17, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father was an army officer who was often away for his work. When Gary was seven, he and his mother traveled to the Philippines to join his father at his army base. Before that, Gary lived in Thief River Falls, Minnesota and Chicago. For a year during World War II, he lived with relatives on a farm.
Gary Paulsen wrote about some of his early experiences in books like Eastern Sun, Winter Moon: An Autobiographical Odyssey. He described his life in Chicago when he was seven. Later, in Guts: The True Stories Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books, Paulsen shared how he managed to take care of himself between the ages of twelve and fourteen in Minnesota. He worked several jobs, like setting pins at a bowling alley and delivering newspapers, to earn money for school supplies and food. He even hunted for his own meals using a rifle and later a bow and arrows he made himself.
Paulsen finished high school at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He attended Bemidji State University for a time. From 1959 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Army, working with missiles and reaching the rank of sergeant. His time in the army brought him to New Mexico, a place he later chose to live.
Writing Career
Much of what we know about Gary Paulsen's life comes from the introductions and conclusions in his own books. For example, in The Quilt, he wrote about how much his grandmother influenced him during summers he spent with her.
His most famous novel is Hatchet (1987). Other well-known books include Dogsong (1985) and The Winter Room (1989).
Themes in Paulsen's Books
Paulsen's books are known for:
- Thrilling Survival Stories: Many of his most famous books, like Hatchet, The River, Brian's Winter, and Caught by the River, plunge characters into challenging wilderness situations. Readers learn alongside the characters about building shelters, finding food, making fire, and navigating dangerous landscapes. These stories teach about resourcefulness and the power of the human spirit.
- Deep Connection to Nature: Paulsen's writing often highlights the beauty, power, and sometimes harsh realities of the natural world. He described forests, rivers, mountains, and animals with such vivid detail that readers felt like they were right there with the characters. His books encourage respect and appreciation for the environment.
- Themes of Resilience and Self-Reliance: His characters, often young people, face incredible difficulties alone. They learn to trust their instincts, overcome fear, and discover strengths they never knew they had. These stories teach important lessons about perseverance and believing in yourself, even when things are tough.
- Friendship with Animals: Animals play a huge role in many of Paulsen's stories. From the loyal dogs in Dogsong and Winterdance to the various creatures encountered in the wild, his books often explore the special bonds between humans and animals, and how these relationships can offer comfort, guidance, and even survival.
- Growing Up and Finding Your Way: Beyond the adventures, Paulsen's books often explore the journey of growing up. His characters learn about responsibility, making difficult choices, and understanding their place in the world. They face challenges that help them mature and discover who they truly are.
Awards and Recognition
Gary Paulsen received the Margaret Edwards Award in 1997. This award recognizes a writer whose books have made a "significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature." The award committee highlighted six of his books: Dancing Carl, Hatchet, The Crossing, The Winter Room, Canyons, and Woodsong. They noted that his books often explore the theme of survival, whether it's surviving a plane crash or facing difficult home situations. Hatchet was especially praised for covering all aspects of survival, both physical and mental.
Three of Paulsen's books were also honored as runners-up for the Newbery Medal, a top award for children's literature: Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room.
Personal Life and Hobbies
In 1971, Gary Paulsen married Ruth Wright, who is also an illustrator of children's books. He had three children. Even though he was a very successful author, Paulsen chose to live a simple life. He lived in various places in New Mexico, including Santa Fe and Tularosa. He also spent time living on a houseboat on the Pacific Ocean.
Love for Dog Sledding
Paulsen was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting and trapping. He owned a 40-acre piece of land in Alaska where he raised and trained sled dogs. He even competed in the famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, a very long and challenging dog sled race in Alaska. In 1983, he finished the race in 41st place. Although he had to stop dog sledding for a while due to health reasons, he later returned to it, showing his deep passion for the sport.
Death
Gary Paulsen passed away at his home in Tularosa, New Mexico, on October 13, 2021, at the age of 82. His stories continue to inspire young readers to explore the outdoors and face life's challenges with courage.
Legacy
One of the most powerful parts of Gary Paulsen's legacy is how he inspired countless young people to become readers. His fast-paced plots, relatable characters, and exciting adventures captivated even those who thought they didn't like reading. He showed that books could be just as thrilling as any movie or video game.
Many readers credit Paulsen with sparking their love for books and encouraging them to explore the outdoors. His stories often made children curious about nature, survival skills, and the challenges of the wilderness. He taught them that courage isn't just about being fearless, but about facing your fears and pushing through them.
Gary Paulsen Quotes
- "A book is a friend. You can never have too many."
- "Read like a wolf eats and write every day. Every. Single. Day."
- "I owe everything I am and everything I will ever be to books."
- "It was as though I had been dying of thirst and the librarian had handed me a five gallon bucket of water. I drank and drank. The only reason I am here and not in prison is because of that woman. I was a loser, but she showed me the power of reading."
