Gary Paulsen

Date of Birth: May 17, 1939

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: October 13, 2021

Biography

Gary Paulsen was an acclaimed American author best known for his young adult literature, particularly wilderness survival stories. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Paulsen had a tumultuous childhood, which he often drew upon in his writing. He ran away from home at age 14 to travel with a carnival, an experience that fueled his sense of adventure. Paulsen served in the U.S. Army before embarking on a career as a writer. His most famous work, “Hatchet,” published in 1986, has become a staple in young adult literature and has won numerous awards. Over his career, Paulsen wrote more than 200 books, articles, and short stories, captivating readers with his tales of survival and adventure.

5 Interesting Facts about Gary Paulsen

1. Gary Paulsen ran away from home at the age of 14 and joined a carnival, which was a formative experience that influenced his adventurous writing style.

2. He participated in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska twice, in 1983 and 1985, and wrote about his experiences in “Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod.”

3. Paulsen lived in various remote locations, including a houseboat in the Pacific Ocean and a cabin in the mountains, which provided authentic backdrops for his stories.

4. His book “Hatchet” has sold more than 2.5 million copies worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages.

5. Paulsen was awarded the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature.