Gary Paulsen: Gone to the Woods
Acclaimed writer Gary Paulsen presents his new middle grade memoir Gone to the Woods, giving readers a new perspective on the origins of the living literary legend’s famed survival stories. Paulsen is joined by children’s author and librarian Betsy Bird. You can order the book from our bookselling partner Seminary Co-op Bookstores. The first 200 orders will receive a bookplate signed by Paulsen. This program takes place January 12 at 6:00 pm Central. Register for the program here.
More about Gone to the Woods:
His name is synonymous with high-stakes wilderness survival stories. Now, beloved author Gary Paulsen portrays a series of life-altering moments from his turbulent childhood as his own original survival story. If not for his summer escape from a shockingly neglectful Chicago upbringing to a North Woods homestead at age five, there never would have been a Hatchet. Without the encouragement of the librarian who handed him his first book at age thirteen, he may never have become a reader. And without his desperate teenage enlistment in the Army, he would not have discovered his true calling as a storyteller.
A moving and enthralling story of grit and growing up, Gone to the Woods is perfect for newcomers to the voice and lifelong fans alike, from the acclaimed author at his rawest and realest.
Praise for Gone to the Woods:
“This master of survival stories draws his audience deep into his experience, whiplashing from comfort and growth into abject neglect and on to a fulfilling adult life. This survival story, up close and personal, is one Paulsen fans will not want to miss.”
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Beautifully written, Paulsen’s memoir demonstrates that good can triumph over bad beginnings…Everybody will want to get their hands on his latest.”
—Booklist
“A rich, compelling read that is emotive and expressive without forcing empathy from the reader. Both brightly funny and darkly tragic, it is fresh in its honest portrayal of difficult themes.”
—Kirkus, starred review
GARY PAULSEN is the winner of the ALA Margaret Edwards Award for his contribution to young adult literature, and is a three-time Newbery Honor winner, for Hatchet, Dogsong, and The Winter Room. He lives in New Mexico.
BETSY BIRD is a children’s book author, podcast host, blogger and librarian. She is the author or editor of six books including Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever., The Great Santa Stakeout, and Wild Things: Acts of Mischief in Children’s Literature.