Athletes - Gary Paulsen

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Gary Paulsen (born May 17, 1939) is a prolific American writer, who writes many young adult coming of age stories about the wilderness. He is the author of more than 200 books (many of which are out of print), 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays; primarily for young adults.

Personal history and works

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Paulsen's interests in books and reading began when he was a teenager and walked into a library to escape the cold Minnesota winter. Reading helped Paulsen cope with a difficult family situation then (his parents were both alcoholics) and remains a constant in his life today.

Paulsen has had many hardships since he was a kid. He was raised by his grandmother and aunts growing up due to his father being stationed in Europe during World War II. Though he didn't meet his dad until he was almost seven years old. He didn't really see much of his mom either since she worked constantly in a factory. At a young age, Gary's parents became alcoholics and he had to go back to living with relatives.

Gary ran away from home at the age of 14 to join a carnival. He knew how to trap and survive in the world so he was ok. Since the age of 15, Paulsen has worked at many jobs in an effort to support himself: migrant worker, soldier, field engineer, driver, and an magazine editor. Paulsen used his work as a magazine editor to learn the craft of writing. In 1966, his first book was published, Some Ugly Birds don't Cry (possibly published under different names). Using his varied life experiences, but especially those of an outdoorsman—a hunter, trapper, and two-time competitor in the 1,049 mile Iditarod dog sled race, Paulsen writes about what he knows best.

Much of Paulsen's work features outdoor settings showing the importance of water,and woods to the harmony of nature. He often uses a coming of age theme, where a character masters the art of survival in isolation as a rite of passage to manhood.

Paulsen's most famous books are probably the Hatchet series, although he has published many other popular adventure novels including The Transall Saga and The Winter Room. Hatchet, Dogsong, and The Winter Room won the Newbery Honor. Woodsong and Winterdance are among the most popular books about the Iditarod.

Paulsen competed in the 1983 and 1985 Iditarods. In 1990, due to heart problems, he gave up dogsledding,which he has described as the most difficult thing he has ever done. After more than a decade spent sailing all over the Pacific, Paulsen got back into dogsledding in 2003. In 2005, he was scheduled to compete in the 2005 Iditarod after a 20-year absence, but withdrew shortly before the start of the race. He participated in the 2006 Iditarod but scratched after two days.

Paulsen lives in La Luz, New Mexico with his Wife, Ruth Wright Paulsen, an artist (who has illustrated several of his books).

Awards

The Winter Room: 1990 Newbery Honor Book
Hatchet: 1988 Newbery Honor Book, 1989–90 Mark Twain Award nominee
Dogsong: 1986 Newbery Honor Book
Brian's Winter: 1998–99 Mark Twain Award nominee
Canyons: 1992–93 Mark Twain Award nominee
Haymeadow: 1994–95 Mark Twain Award nominee
How Angel Peterson Got His Name: 2005–06 Mark Twain Award nominee
Mr. Tucket: 1996–97 Mark Twain Award nominee
Voyage of the Frog: 1991–92 Mark Twain Award nominee
Woodsong: 1992–93 Mark Twain Award nominee

Paulsen was also awarded the 1997 Margaret A. Edwards Award for his works "helping adolescents become aware of themselves and addressing questions about their role and importance in relationships, society, and in the world".

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Athletes - Gary Paulsen

Personal history and works

Awards

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