Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen endured a tumultuous childhood during which he lived with his mother in a variety of locations, including the Philippines and Hawaii. At the age of fourteen, Paulsen ran away from home and began a decades-long stretch working a variety of jobs in order to support himself while writing. An avid outdoorsman, his pursuits have included sailing in the Pacific and racing sled dogs, even competing in the 1983 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. He’s published more than one hundred books, many of which are based on his own experiences living and working in the wilderness, and his works include fiction and nonfiction for both children and adults. In addition, many of his works include a “coming of age,” much like the one Brian experiences in Hatchet. Paulsen currently lives with his wife, Ruth, who illustrates children’s books, and divides his time between homes in New Mexico and Alaska.