Gary Paulsen, a prolific author with over twenty-five books to his name by the mid-1980s, gained significant recognition with the publication of Dogsong in 1985. This novel earned him his first Newbery Honor, marking the beginning of a series of celebrated young adult novels that cemented his standing among leading authors in the genre.

Paulsen's passion for the outdoors and dog sledding deeply informed his writing. His experiences participating in the Iditarod—a grueling 1,049-mile dogsled race across Alaska—lend a visceral authenticity to his portrayal of Russel’s adventures in Dogsong. Russel’s deep connection with his sled dogs mirrors Paulsen’s own bonds with his canine companions, a theme he further explored in his nonfiction works, Woodsong (1991) and Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod (1994). These books delve into his personal adventures with sled dogs, enriching his fictional narratives with lived experience.

Dogsong introduced the archetype of the teenage protagonist who "comes of age" through interactions with nature, a motif Paulsen revisited in subsequent novels. In Hatchet (1987), another Newbery Honor recipient and arguably his most well-known work, this theme is explored through the trials faced by a middle-class, white teen. Similarly, in The Voyage of the Frog (1989), the protagonist undergoes a solitary test of endurance at sea.

Paulsen's sensitivity towards diverse cultures is noteworthy. His portrayal of Inuit life in Dogsong is part of a broader commitment to representing various ethnic groups with empathy and respect. This is evident in works like Canyons (1990), which focuses on American Indians, and The Crossing (1987), which highlights Mexican experiences. Through these narratives, Paulsen has forged a reputation for his inclusive and respectful depictions of different cultural backgrounds, broadening the scope and impact of his storytelling.