Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Gary Paulsen

    May 17, 1939 – October 13, 2021

    Paulsen developed a passion for reading at an early age and found constant inspiration in a life filled with adventure. Experiences such as traveling with a carnival, rigorous farm chores, and competing in the grueling Iditarod dog sled race provided him with rich material for his narratives. His stories often explore themes of adventure, survival, and the discovery of inner strength. Paulsen's writing style is characterized by its directness and its ability to immerse readers in compelling plots.

    Gary Paulsen
    Brian's Return
    Masters of Disaster
    Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood
    Winterdance
    Family Ties
    This Side of Wild
    • 2023

      A young boy's journey transforms into a harrowing survival tale as he sets sail to honor his uncle's last wish. Confronted by the vastness of the ocean, David faces relentless storms and the perils of sea life. With limited supplies and the aftermath of a violent tempest, he must navigate not only the treacherous waters but also the challenges that test his resilience and courage. This gripping adventure highlights the stark contrast between life on land and the unforgiving nature of the sea.

      The Voyage of the Frog (Scholastic Gold)
    • 2022

      From the living legend and award-winning author of Hatchet comes a laugh-out- loud middle-grade romp about a boy, his free-thinking dad, and the puppy- training pamphlet that turns their summer upside down.

      How to Train Your Dad
    • 2022

      This stunning New York Times Bestseller from the survival story master, set along a rugged coastline centuries ago, does for the ocean what Hatchet does for the woods, as it relates the story of a young person’s battle to stay alive against the odds, where the high seas meet a coastal wilderness. When a deadly plague reaches the small fish camp where he lives, an orphan named Leif is forced to take to the water in a cedar canoe. He flees northward, following a wild, fjord-riven shore, navigating from one danger to the next, unsure of his destination. Yet the deeper into his journey he paddles, the closer he comes to his truest self as he connects to “the heartbeat of the ocean . . . the pulse of the sea.” With hints of Nordic mythology and an irresistible narrative pull, Northwind is Gary Paulsen at his captivating, adventuresome best.

      Northwind
    • 2021

      "Author Gary Paulsen portrays a series of life-altering moments from his turbulent childhood as his own original survival story. If not for his summer escape from a shockingly neglectful Chicago upbringing to a North Woods homestead at age five, there never would have been a Hatchet. Without the encouragement of the librarian who handed him his first book at age thirteen, he may never have become a reader. And without his desperate teenage enlistment in the Army, he would not have discovered his true calling as a storyteller"--

      Gone to the Woods: Surviving a Lost Childhood
    • 2020

      The Winter Room (Scholastic Gold)

      • 128 pages
      • 5 hours of reading
      3.5(13)Add rating

      Set in a rural Minnesota farmhouse, the story explores the bond between two brothers as they navigate the changing seasons and their family's history. Through vivid storytelling, Paulsen captures the beauty of nature and the importance of family traditions. The narrative intertwines personal growth with themes of resilience and the passage of time, making it a poignant read for young audiences. This edition includes bonus content that enriches the original tale, offering deeper insights into the characters and their experiences.

      The Winter Room (Scholastic Gold)
    • 2016

      This Side of Wild

      • 160 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      This book is a collection of stories from Gary Paulsen's own life about dogs, horses, birds and even a whale who know more than we humans may assume. His understanding and admiration of animals is well known, and in This Side of Wild, which has taken a lifetime to write, he proves the ways in which they have taught him to be a better person.

      This Side of Wild
    • 2016

      An orphan reflects on the lessons he was taught by the wise old man who raised him in this lyrical novel that reads like poetry from three-time Newbery Honor-winning author Gary Paulsen. Deep in the woods, in a rustic cabin, lives an old man and the boy he's raised as his own. This sage old man has taught the boy the power of nature and how to live in it, and more importantly, to respect it. In Fishbone's Song, this boy reminisces about the magic of the man who raised him and the tales that he used to tell--all true, but different each time.

      Fishbone's Song
    • 2015

      Family Ties

      The Theory, Practice, and Destructive Properties of Relatives

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      The story revolves around Kevin Spencer, who navigates the chaos of planning a double wedding in his backyard, aiming to impress his girlfriend, Tina. As he manages his quirky relatives and their antics, humor and family dynamics take center stage, showcasing Kevin's role as the family's anchor. This engaging tale captures the challenges and joys of family life, making it a relatable and entertaining read for middle-school boys.

      Family Ties
    • 2014

      Vote

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Kevin Spencer, known for his humorous mishaps, takes on the challenge of running for office, bringing his signature blend of big ideas and comedic blunders to the political arena. His unconventional campaign promises to deliver a fresh and entertaining perspective on politics, showcasing his knack for tackling serious issues with a lighthearted touch.

      Vote
    • 2013

      Crush

      The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Love

      • 144 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Kevin, known for his humorous antics, faces a pivotal moment as he decides to pursue Tina Zabinski, whom he considers the Most Beautiful Girl in the World. With newfound determination, he prepares to ask her out, but his usual penchant for scheming may complicate his plans. This story explores themes of love, courage, and the challenges of teenage romance.

      Crush