Books by Gary Paulsen — Wonderlit | Wonderlit

Known for the Brian's Saga and Dunc and Amos series, Gary Paulsen writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 4–18, alongside 16 standalone books, exploring themes of resilience & perseverance, fear & bravery, self-confidence & identity.

Series

Hatchet

The River

2 books · Ages 10–14

Dunc Gets Tweaked

Dunc Breaks the Record

2 books · Ages 6–12

Escape from Fire Mountain

Video Trap

Danger on Midnight River

Gary Paulsen's World of Adventure

5 books · Ages 6–18

Sarny: A Life Remembered

1 book · Ages 12–18

Tucket's Home

Tucket's Adventures

1 book · Ages 9–13

Standalone Books (Ages 8–11)

Cover of Dancing Carl

In a small Minnesota town, twelve-year-old Marsh and Willy are captivated by Carl, a battle-scarred man whose unique dan

Cover of The Foxman

Lost in the deep woods, cousins Carl and his cousin stumble upon a hidden shack and its reclusive, masked inhabitant, th

Cover of Tiltawhirl John

Tiltawhirl John

A fifteen-year-old runaway escapes farm life for the dazzling, yet harsh, world of a carnival. He learns to survive with

Cover of Father Water, Mother Woods

Father Water, Mother Woods

Join acclaimed author Gary Paulsen on his exhilarating adventures through the North Woods. These essays recount his expe

Cover of The Car

Fourteen-year-old Terry, abandoned by his parents, builds a kit car and drives west in search of an uncle. Along the way

Cover of Project A Perfect World

Project A Perfect World

Jim Stanton moves to a town that feels too perfect. He teams up with a mysterious girl to uncover the dark secrets of a

Cover of The Rifle

Follow a meticulously crafted rifle as it passes through generations, witnessing key moments in American history. Its lo

Cover of Dogsong

Russel Susskit feels out of place in his modern Arctic village, longing for the old ways. Guided by a shaman and a power

Cover of The Tortilla Factory

The Tortilla Factory

Follow the beautiful cycle of life as a simple corn seed transforms into a delicious tortilla through nature's wonders a

Cover of Blue Light

A young boy's life takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself stranded in a primeval land. He must adapt to survive,

Cover of The Glass Cafe

For parents seeking a humorous yet thoughtful story about a child embracing creativity and finding resilience amidst an

Cover of Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day

Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day

Neat and organized Molly McGinty faces a chaotic series of slapstick mishaps when she loses her notebook in this hilario

Cover of Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers

Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers

Join acclaimed author Gary Paulsen as he recounts his deep bond with his sled dogs, particularly his lead dog, Cookie. T

Cover of My Life in Dog Years

My Life in Dog Years

Gary Paulsen shares true stories of the loyal, brave, and sometimes quirky dogs who were his companions, protectors, and

Cover of Northwind

After a mysterious sickness decimates his fishing village, young orphan Leif flees north in a cedar canoe. He must navig

By Age Range

Dancing Carl

The Foxman

Tiltawhirl John

Dancing Carl

Hatchet

The Foxman

Hatchet

The River

Dunc Gets Tweaked

Common Themes

Resilience & Perseverance Fear & Bravery Self-Confidence & Identity Growing Up Curiosity & Wonder Survival & Wilderness Empathy & Kindness Love & Family

If Your Family Loves Gary Paulsen, Also Try

Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider

Stink and the Hairy, Scary Spider

Elena Camps

Hansel and Gretel

Ruth Belov Gross

Hansel and Gretel

The Velvet Fox

Catherine Fisher

The Wilderness