by Mike Matzinger
Gary James Paulsen (May 17, 1939 – October 13, 2021) was an American author renowned for his compelling wilderness adventure novels, including Hatchet, Dogsong, and Woodsong. His works, often inspired by his own experiences, have captivated readers worldwide, selling over 35 million copies. Paulsen’s writing earned him numerous accolades, including three Newbery Honors and the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in young adult literature.
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Paulsen’s early life was marked by instability. His father, a U.S. Army officer, was frequently absent, and his mother struggled with alcoholism. Raised by his grandmother and aunts, Paulsen found solace in reading, a habit that began when a librarian gave him a library card, opening the door to a lifelong passion for books. His childhood experiences of hardship and resilience deeply influenced his writing.
Paulsen was also deeply connected to Scouting America. He contributed to Boys’ Life (now Scout Life) magazine, sharing stories and adventures that inspired generations of Scouts. Many of his novels, such as Hatchet and The River, emphasize the same themes of resilience, self-reliance, and outdoor survival that are central to the Scouting experience.
After high school, Paulsen served in the U.S. Army and later worked in various jobs, including as a trapper, ranch hand, truck driver, and sailor. These diverse experiences provided rich material for his stories. Notably, he participated in the Iditarod, the challenging Alaskan dogsled race, an adventure that inspired his novel Dogsong.
Paulsen’s literary career began in the 1960s, and he went on to write over 200 books and more than 200 articles and short stories. His most famous work, Hatchet, tells the story of a boy stranded in the wilderness, a narrative that resonates with themes of survival and self-discovery. Other notable works include The Winter Room, My Life in Dog Years, and Guts: The True Stories Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books, where he shares real-life adventures that inspired his fiction.
Beyond his writing, Paulsen was an advocate for reading and exploration. He encouraged young readers to “read like a wolf eats,” emphasizing the importance of reading in all circumstances. In his later years, he lived on a remote ranch in New Mexico, continuing to write and inspire others with his adventurous spirit. His legacy endures through his books, which continue to inspire readers and Scouts alike to embrace adventure, resilience, and a love of the outdoors.