I flunked everything and barely got out of school. I'd gotten somehow to the age 12 my parents were drunks. GARY PAULSEN: What saved me was a librarian. However, you are now a highly acclaimed author of books for young people and hold three Newbery Honors, among others. TEACHINGBOOKS: You had a tremendously difficult childhood, one that many don't survive or recover from.

Then he left California and drove to northern Minnesota where he rented a cabin on a lake by the end of the winter, he had completed his first novel.Gary Paulsen interviewed from his home in New Mexico, February 12, 2010. He spent the next year in Hollywood as a magazine proofreader, working on his own writing every night. One night he walked off the job, never to return. Paulsen's realization that he would become a writer came suddenly when he was working as a satellite technician for an aerospace firm in California. A youthful summer of rigorous chores on a farm jobs as an engineer, construction worker, ranch hand, truck driver, and sailor and two rounds of the 1,180-mile Alaskan dog sled race, the Iditarod have provided ample material from which he creates his powerful stories. Running away from home at the age of 14 and traveling with a carnival, Paulsen acquired a taste for adventure. He began spending hours alone in the basement of his apartment building, reading one book after another.

After a librarian gave him a book to read - along with his own library card - he was hooked. Although he was never a dedicated student, Paulsen developed a passion for reading at an early age.

The year’s outstanding debut authors for children: shortlist for the 2023 Branford Boase Award announcedīorn May 17, 1939, Gary Paulsen is one of America's most popular writers for young people.

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Jacqueline Wilson - our Guest Editor of the Month.

Branford Boase 2023 – what the judges had to say about the shortlist.

Read Hour returns for its third year in the UK with Moomin Characters.

In its 20th year, the shortlist for CLiPPA (CLPE Children’s Poetry Award) reflects the wealth of talent in children’s poetry.

13 Children's Books Featuring Poverty and Homelessness.

30 enticing chapter books for children who are newly independent readers.

60 kids books about grief to explain death to children and help them grieve.

LGBTQI+ Children's Books celebrating Pride in London and Pride Month this June.

Sophie Cameron - our Author of the Month.

Best kids books for getting children walking for National Walking Month and Walk to School Week.

Shortlist announced for the 2023 Klaus Flugge Prize for the most exciting newcomer to children’s picture book illustration.

Gary paulsen