Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen is a popular author of kids books such as the Brian's Saga (Hatchet) and Newbery Honor books Dog Song and The Winter Room. Many of his books take place in the wilderness.

Where did Gary grow up?

Gary was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 17, 1939. Gary had an interesting childhood running away from home to join the circus at the age of fourteen. Seriously! He then worked a number of jobs including construction worker, engineer, sailor, and truck driver.

How did Gary become an Author

Gary had always loved to read. It was his passion as a kid. One day he was doing his job as an engineer and he decided he wanted to write. He got a job as a proofreader and worked on his own writing every night. He finally ended up moving to a cabin where he finished his first novel.

Gary loves to write, he likes to encourage kids, and he enjoys the wilderness where he lives. All of these passions combine in Gary's books for kids.

Fun Facts about Gary Paulsen

• Gary has ran the Alaskan dog race, the Iditarod, twice. He hopes to complete it again someday. Woodsong and Winterdance are books about the Iditarod.
• He often writes for up to 20 hours in a day. I guess that's how he's written so many books.
• Gary owns a large ranch in Alaska where he raises and trains sled dogs.
• Gary has a list of top 10 survival tips. Number 1 is: Stop. Don't panic. Breathe deeply and make yourself think slowly.
• Gary's wife Ruth is an artist who has illustrated many of his books.

• Mr. Tucket (1968)
• Call Me Francis Tucket (1995)
• Tucket's Ride (1997)
• Tucket's Gold (1999)
• Tucket's Home (2000)
• Tucket's Travels (2001)

• Hatchet (1987)
• The River (1991)
• Brian's Winter (1996)
• Brian's Return (1999)
• Brian's Hunt (2003)

• Murphy (1987)
• Murphy's Gold (1988)
• Murphy's Herd (1989)
• Murphy's War (1990)
• Murphy's Stand (1993)
• Murphy's Ambush (1995)
• Murphy's Trail (1996)

• The Legend of Red Horse Cavern (1994)
• Rodomonte's Revenge (Video Trap) (1994)
• Escape from Fire Mountain (1995)
• The Rock Jockeys (Devil's Wall) (1995)
• Hook 'Em Snotty! (1995)
• Danger on Midnight River (1995)
• The Gorgon Slayer (1995)
• Captive! (1995)
• Project - A Perfect World (Perfect Danger) (1996)
• The Treasure of El Patron (Treasure Ship) (1996)
• Skydive! (1996)
• The Seventh Crystal (1996)
• The Creature of Black Water Lake (1997)
• Time Benders (1997)
• Grizzly (1997)
• Thunder Valley (1998)
• Curse of the Ruins (1998)
• Flight of the Hawk (1998)

• The Boy Who Owned the School (1990)
• Harris and Me (1993)
• The Schernoff Discoveries (1997)
• The Glass Cafe (2003)
• Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day (2004)
• Lawn Boy (2007)
• Lawn Boy Returns (2010)

• The Time Hackers (2005)
• The Legend of Bass Reeves (2006)
• Mudshark (2009)
• Notes from the Dog (2009)
• Woods Runner (2010)
• Masters of Disaster (2010)
• Liar, Liar (2011)

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Today In History

Who was born on this day: 1956 Bob Saget (Actor from America's Funniest Home Videos) 1985 Matt Ryan (NFL Quarterback) What happened today in history: 1792 The New York Stock Exchange is formed. 1846 Adolphe Sax invents the saxophone.