Gary
Paulsen was born on May 17, 1939 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In his lifetime
he has written more than 175 books, 200 magazine articles and short stories,
and several plays. He writes primarily for young adults, but says that in
writing he aims to "reach many different people through exploring a variety
of topics and writing styles". Paulsen did not have a pleasant childhood,
being that he was the son of two parents who suffered from alcoholism. He
flunked the ninth grade and barely graduated high school with a D-average.
He began using books and reading as a coping mechanism as a teenager, when
he stumbled into a library on a freezing Minnesota winter day and the
librarian offered him a library card. Paulsen recalls being "thrilled" that
his "very own name" was printed on the card. He began reading everything
from Westerns to Science Fiction to Melville. He says he can "remember
reading two books a week". Although his interest
in reading and literature
was sparked as a teenager, he did not begin his writing career until the age
of 26. Having run away from home at the age of 14 and traveling with a
carnival, in addition to living in the Minnesota woods Paulsen acquired a
need and a love for adventure. Before he began writing, he held jobs as a
migrant worker, a soldier, a field engineer, a truck driver, and a magazine
editor. It was through all of these experiences that he gained the
inspiration to write. Most of his writing emphasizes outdoor adventure and
the beauty of nature. He explores young adult issues with respect,
sensitivity, and a little bit of humor; thus, helping his young adult fans
to better deal with the often difficult process of growing and maturing.
Paulsen's first book was published in 1996, The Special War, and it
was a definite reflection of his life experiences, his craving for outdoor
adventure, and his love for nature. He has won countless awards which
include winning the Newbery Medal Award for three of his books, having his
books appear frequently on the best books list of the American Library
Association (ALA), and having several of his books win book of the year by
ALA and other organizations. In addition, he has also accomplished the
amazing feat of completing twice, and currently attempting a third time to
complete, the Iditarod (a 1,200 mile Alaskan dogsled race). Currently the
very talented Gary Paulsen, and his wife Ruth Wright Paulsen (an artist who
has illustrated many of Gary's works) spend their time in New Mexico,
Minnesota, or on their boat. For more information on
Gary Paulsen and his works please
visit his website. Gary Paulsen can be contacted through his publishers at
Children's Publicity; 1540
Broadway; New York, NY; 10036.
|