Gary Paulsen

by James B. Blasingame

Overview

Gary Paulsen, a three-time Newbery Honor winner, has written over 175 books for young adults and adults for over twenty years. His stories of adventure and survival are beloved by readers, teachers, librarians, and critics. This volume examines a sample of the most widely-known and widely-studied books by Paulsen. A biographical chapter demonstrates how Paulsen's life experiences, notably the Iditarod, have influenced his writing. Each book is analyzed for plot, characterization, setting, and themes, written at a level that is accessible for young readers, yet providing in-depth information for older readers.

Books analyzed in this volume include: -Brian's Winter -Dogsong -Hatchet -The Island -Winter Room

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313335327
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/30/2007
Series:	Teen Reads: Student Companions to Young Adult Literature Series
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

James B. Blasingame is an Assistant Professor of English, Arizona State University. Prof. Blasingame is co-editor of the ALAN review and has written numerous articles on YA literature.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword   James B. Blasingame     IX
Preface     XI
Acknowledgments     XIII
Dogsong: The Life That Inspired the Stories of Gary Paulsen     1
The Writer and His Craft     37
It All Started with a Hatchet: The Brian Robeson Books     49
Puppies, Dogs, and Gary Paulsen: His Life in Dog Years     81
Minnesota Boy: Growing Up in Minnesota     105
Paulsen Looks at the Past: Historical Fiction and Fact     131
Life at Sea and Other Subjects for the Pen of Gary Paulsen     149
Bibliography of Sources     157
Index     163

Editorial Reviews

The series' purpose is to provide supplementary materials for young readers wishing to learn about thei authors' lives and understand their favorite books better, as well as to emphasize how special and enriching reading and literary study can be for young, eager readers.” —VOYA

“This series of books about favorite teen authors is for librarians, teachers, and teens who want to know their favorite authors in depth. The volumes are full of biographical articles, reflections of the authors, and essays about their most popular titles. The series would be particularly useful to aspiring young authors who need reassurance that writing can be more than just a hobby. Bottom line: Both are just plain good reads. [Reviewed in conjunction with Sharon Creech].” —Teacher Librarian

From the Publisher