Summary
Gary Paulsen, a prolific American author, is best known for his contributions to young adult literature. Many of his works explore themes of survival and adventure, reflective of his own life experiences. His best-known book, "Hatchet," tells the story of a young boy surviving in the wilderness after a plane crash, earning him wide acclaim.
Principal Works
Gary Paulsen's literary achievements span several captivating series and standalone novels. The Tucket Adventures series, written between 1969 and 2000, follows the journey of a boy on the Oregon Trail. Another significant series is the Alida series, which captivated readers from 1991 through 2004. Among his standalone works, "Dogsong" (1985) and "The Winter Room" (1989) are notable for their exploration of youth and resilience. "Woodsong" (1990) and "The River" (1991) further showcase Paulsen's narrative prowess. More recent works such as "Nightjohn" (1993) and "Woods Runner" (2010) continue to reflect his themes of historical adventure and survival.
Biography
Gary Paulsen's life was as adventurous as his stories. Born on May 17, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he navigated a tumultuous childhood marked by upheaval and self-reliance. His early years were spent in Chicago and Manila, where his father was stationed after World War II, and later, on a farm in Minnesota. Paulsen’s family life was challenging; his parents, Oscar and Eunice, were plagued by poverty and frequent conflicts. A traumatic event in his childhood—his mother defending him from an assailant—set the tone for his gritty survival stories. His early resilience manifested in various ways, including his clever schemes to pilfer from inebriated patrons while pretending to sell newspapers. He often sought refuge with relatives or in nature, honing survival skills that would later inform his writing.
Despite a disdain for formal education, Paulsen was an avid reader, a habit that eventually fueled his literary career. At seventeen, he impulsively joined the Army by forging his father’s signature and pursued studies in electrical engineering. His early career included testing missiles in New Mexico and a brief stint in Hollywood, where he crafted dialogue for "Mission Impossible" and "The Reivers." His writing journey began in earnest in a secluded Minnesota cabin, where he penned his first book, "Some Birds Don't Fly," a collection of essays on the missile industry.
Paulsen's personal life was as turbulent as his literary themes. After leaving his first wife and two children, he experienced a period of instability in Taos, New Mexico, where alcohol and altercations were frequent companions. His life took a significant turn when he met artist Ruth Wright, who became his second wife and the mother of his son, Jim. The couple eventually settled in a remote Minnesota cabin, where Paulsen overcame his struggles with sobriety and unleashed a prolific writing streak, producing nearly seven books annually through the 1970s. His participation in the Iditarod, a grueling Alaskan dogsled race, inspired works like "Dogsong" and "Woodsong," blending his adventurous spirit with literary success.
The publication of "Hatchet" in 1987 marked a pivotal moment in Paulsen’s career, solidifying his reputation as a master of YA fiction and improving his family's quality of life. The success of "Hatchet" allowed Paulsen and his family to move to a more comfortable home near Bemidji, Minnesota, equipped with modern amenities. While maintaining residences in Minnesota, Alaska, and New Mexico, Paulsen also indulged in his love for the sea, often sailing the Pacific.
Major Works
"Hatchet," a survival narrative about a thirteen-year-old named Brian, remains a staple in young adult literature and continues to captivate new generations of readers. It earned a Newbery Honor, a testament to its enduring impact. Paulsen’s other Newbery Honor books...
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include "Dogsong" and "The Winter Room," both of which further explore the resilience of youth against the backdrop of challenging environments. "Hatchet" sparked a series, Brian's Saga, continuing the young protagonist's adventures. Paulsen further delved into historical and wilderness themes with the Tucket Adventures series and the Alida series. His works for adults, including the Western-themed Murphy series, showcase his versatility as a writer.
Further Reading
- Royte, Elizabeth. “Grumpy Old Man and the Sea: Adventures with Gary Paulsen.” Outside Online. Outside, 23 May 2013. Web. 2 Mar. 2015. <http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/media/books/Gary-Paulsen-Grumpy-Old-Man-and-the-Sea.html>.
- Schmitz, James A. “Gary Paulsen: A Writer of His Time.” ALAN Review 22.1 (1994). Web. 2 Mar. 2015. <http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/fall94/Schmitz.html>.
- Sides, Anne Goodwin. “On the Road and Between the Pages, an Author Is Restless for Adventure.” New York Times. New York Times, 26 Aug. 2006. Web. 1 Mar. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/26/books/26paul.html>.
Bibliography
- Corbett, Sue. Gary Paulsen. New York: Cavendish, 2014. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
- Paulsen, Gary, and Jim Paulsen. Interview by Sally Lodge. “Q&A with Gary Paulsen and Jim Paulsen.” Publisher's Weekly. PWxyz, 6 Dec. 2012. Web. 3 Mar. 2015. <http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/authors/interviews/article/55019-q-a-with-gary-paulsen-and-jim-paulsen.html>.
- Somers, Joseph Michael. “Gary Paulsen.” Magill's Survey of American Literature. Rev. ed. Ipswich: Salem, 2006. Biography Reference Center. Web. 23 Mar. 2015.
- Wheeler, Jill C. Gary Paulsen. [N.p.]: ABDO, 2015. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Web. 23 Mar. 2015.