Statement of Purpose
This website was created by Taran Gallagher as the final project for the class "Materials for Young Adults" (17:610:548:85), under the tutelage of Dr. Marc Aronson. This class was taken in Fall 2015 as a part of the MLIS program at Rutgers University. Here, you will find information about author Gary Paulsen inclusing his life story, works, achievements, and dedication to the field of writing YA literature. Please be sure to check the recourses page and click on the photographs to view the original source for each image.
The Appeal of Gary Paulsen
I was first introduced to the writings of Gary Paulsen when I was ten years old. From that moment, he left a lasting impression of what it takes to be a great author...
During the middle of my fifth grade year, my teacher, Mr. Citro, leaned against the top of an empty desk and held up the next book he was going to read to the class. The book he had chosen was Hatchet. To this day, I still remember my captivation as I listened to him read the story to my classmates and me.
On the edge of our seats, boys and girls alike sat wide-eyed and enchanted by Paulsen's words, eager to hear "one more chapter" and dishartened when we saw our teacher reach for the bookmark; because, each time we heard Paulsen's words, the desks, pencils, and friends faded away and suddenly, there we were, alongside thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, hearts beating wildly as we watched our piolt succumb to a heart attack, or a porcupine scurry from our shelter.
As I grew older I never forgot the way Gary Paulen's writting made me feel, and I