Gary Paulsen A Real-Life Reader Biography

Children's Literature

In this sparsely illustrated, straightforward biography for young readers, Ann Gaines recounts the story of Gary Paulsen—outdoorsman, dogsled racer and children's author. Paulsen grew up in northern Minnesota, the only child of alcoholic parents. He was a shy loner, who found solace exploring the deep woods surrounding the small towns where he lived. He overcame his unhappy childhood and his own addiction to alcohol to become an award-winning author of adventure fiction for young adults. As a teenager, he encountered a sympathetic librarian who changed his life by encouraging him to borrow his first book. He has been an avid reader ever since and credits the librarian with helping him evolve from a loser into successful person. Paulsen has been married twice, had three children and held a variety of jobs, including satellite technician, migrant farmworker, ranch hand, animal trapper and truck driver. In the 1980s, he learned to race dogsleds and completed the Iditarod. His dogsled racing and other outdoor adventures provided material for many of his books, three of which have received Newbery Honor awards. Now in his sixties, Paulsen, who suffers from heart disease, lives happily with his second wife on a ranch in New Mexico. He spends much of his time writing, but has become a skilled sailor and plans a trip around the tip of South America for his next adventure. This biography is part of the extensive "Real-Life Reader Biography" series. 2002, Mitchell Lane Publishers, $15.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Joyce Schwartz

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-These attractive books present a conversational and inviting picture of two popular children's book authors. Gaines brings Curtis's enthusiasm and Paulsen's love of adventure to life. Each biography opens with a chapter about an important time in the man's life: Curtis's experience as a factory worker in a Flint, MI, auto plant and Paulsen's participation in the Iditarod. The books then chronicle the lives of these authors, paying special attention to their impetus to write, their inspirations, and their challenges. Black-and-white photographs and quotes enhance the texts, making these titles good choices for reluctant readers.-Kate McLean, DeKalb County Public Library, Tucker, GA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.