To think I will never be able to read another Gary Paulsen novel is very sad. I have loved his adventure style writing for years and I have suggested his books to so many students. As a three-time Newbery Award winner, he never disappointed. He led such an interesting life- even competing in the Iditarod three times. His life experiences always made their way into his books. With over two hundred books under his belt, my two favorites are Hatchet and NightJohn.
In Hatchet, perhaps Paulsen’s best-known book, a 13-year-old named Brian is the sole passenger on a small propeller plane headed from his home in New York City to visit his father in northern Canada. When the pilot has a heart attack and the plane crash-lands in a remote lake, Brian is left to survive for months, using only a small hatchet his mother gave him before he left.
The reader has a front row seat as Brian navigates his survival. He battles a bear, a pack of wolves, the extreme cold weather in northern Canada while also tackling complete isolation. He discovers what to eat to sustain his life while discovering he is strong and can survive with his wits and strength. This is a moving story of survival and what can happen when we are faced with difficulties.
Pre-Civil War South, a slave considers it his duty to teach reading and writing to the slave children of the Weller Plantation. NightJohn believes knowledge is the key for slaves to break free of bondage. He risks his life nightly trying to educate the children. This book is small but mighty. The message is powerful- reading and writing and the ability to communicate threatens our oppressors.
Paulsen’s books have sold more than 35 million copies worldwide— a story teller who will be missed.
Before Paulsen passed he had a book in the works titled Northwind. It’s publishing date is January 2022- I will look forward to reading it, reviewing it and suggesting it as a title for young adults. Fun fact: Paulsen wrote 20 out of 24 hours per day throughout most of his career.
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