If you enjoy reading books by Gary Paulsen then you might also like the following authors:
Jean Craighead George wrote stories that explore nature, survival, and the connection between humans and the wild. One of her well-known books, “My Side of the Mountain,” follows a boy named Sam who leaves his crowded city life to live alone in the Catskill Mountains.
He learns how to find food, create a home inside a tree, and bond with a falcon he raises. The story captures the challenges and joys of living off the land, making it a great read for fans of Gary Paulsen.
Will Hobbs writes adventure stories that often take readers into the wilderness. One of his most popular books, “Far North,” follows Gabe, a teenage boy who survives a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness.
Stranded with his friend and an older man, he faces harsh weather, wild animals, and limited resources. The story blends survival and friendship in an outdoor setting that feels vivid and real.
Fans of Gary Paulsen’s books will likely enjoy the way Hobbs brings nature, danger, and resilience into his storytelling.
Laurence Pringle writes books about nature and wildlife that pull you into the lives of the creatures he describes. In “Owls! Strange and Wonderful,” he takes readers into the world of these fascinating birds, showing how they hunt, where they live, and why they’re so unique.
The book includes facts in a way that feels like a story, making it easy to imagine these silent hunters gliding through the night. Pringle’s style is perfect for anyone who enjoys vivid details and learning about the natural world.
Katherine Paterson is an author known for creating heartfelt stories that explore the lives of young characters with depth and honesty.
One of her most beloved books, “Bridge to Terabithia,” tells the story of Jess Aarons, a boy who dreams of being the fastest runner in his class. His world changes when he befriends Leslie Burke, a new girl who loves imagination and adventure.
The two create a magical secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia, where they escape from their struggles at home and school. The story blends friendship, wonder, and the challenges of growing up, leaving a strong impression on readers.
Scott O’Dell is an author known for writing stories about survival, adventure, and self-discovery in the natural world. One of his best-known books, “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” tells the story of Karana, a young girl left alone on an island after her tribe sails away.
She learns to fend for herself, builds shelter, finds food, and tames a wild dog as her companion. The story is quiet yet powerful, showing her strength and resilience as she navigates both the dangers of the island and her own loneliness.
Fans of Gary Paulsen might enjoy O’Dell’s ability to bring the wilderness to life through characters who grow through their struggles.
Jack London wrote stories about survival, nature, and the struggles between humans and the wild.
One of his well-known books, “The Call of the Wild,” follows Buck, a domesticated dog taken from a comfortable home and thrust into the harsh wilderness of the Yukon during the gold rush.
As Buck is forced to adapt to his new life, he discovers an ancient, primal part of himself. The story shows his journey from a loyal companion of humans to a leader in the untamed wild.
London’s vivid descriptions of the frozen north and Buck’s transformation make the book unforgettable.
Wendelin Van Draanen is an author known for writing stories that connect with readers who enjoy tales of adventure and self-discovery. In her book “Wild Bird,” the main character, Wren, is sent to a wilderness therapy program after her life spirals out of control.
Set in the desert, the story follows her struggles as she learns survival skills and starts finding strength inside herself. Fans of Gary Paulsen’s books, especially those that focus on young people facing the challenges of nature, may find this story engaging.
S.E. Hinton is known for writing stories that capture the struggles of youth, friendship, and survival in a harsh world. Her book “The Outsiders” follows Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager caught in the rivalry between two social groups, the Greasers and the Socs.
The story is raw and honest, showing how family and loyalty shape Ponyboy as he faces violence and loss. It’s a vivid look at young people figuring out who they are while dealing with the realities of their world.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s ability to show characters finding their way in difficult circumstances, you might find Hinton’s work equally engaging.
Brian Jacques is the author of the “Redwall” series, a collection of adventure-filled novels set in a world of talking animals. His books often follow brave characters who rise up to protect their home and friends.
In the first book, “Redwall,” the young mouse Matthias sets out to defend the peaceful Redwall Abbey from a rat warlord named Cluny. The story has daring escapes, clever strategies, and characters you can’t help but root for.
Fans of Gary Paulsen’s survival tales might enjoy the determination and heart found in Jacques’ storytelling.
Carl Hiaasen writes humorous and fast-paced stories set in Florida, filled with quirky characters and environmental themes. In his novel “Hoot,” a boy named Roy moves to a new town and stumbles across a mysterious, barefoot kid trying to sabotage a construction site.
The plot revolves around a group of kids fighting to protect a colony of burrowing owls threatened by the development of a pancake restaurant.
It’s packed with clever twists and a strong sense of justice, making it an exciting read for fans of survival and nature-focused stories like those Gary Paulsen creates.
Mike Lupica is a writer who focuses on sports and the challenges young athletes face on and off the field. His book “Heat” tells the story of Michael Arroyo, a talented baseball player with a powerful pitching arm.
Michael dreams of leading his team to the Little League World Series, but his plans hit a roadblock when questions about his age and eligibility arise.
With his father gone and his brother trying to keep their small family together, Michael must find a way to prove himself while keeping their home life a secret.
The mix of sports action and heartfelt struggles makes it a great choice for fans of Gary Paulsen’s stories about perseverance.
Lois Lowry is a writer known for crafting stories that explore thought-provoking ideas in ways that resonate with young readers. One of her standout books is “The Giver.”
In it, a boy named Jonas lives in a seemingly perfect community where every choice is controlled, from careers to emotions. When Jonas becomes the Receiver of Memory, he starts uncovering truths about how his world works and what’s been sacrificed for its order.
The story has moments that spark curiosity, especially when Jonas experiences memories of things like snow and music, which don’t exist in his world.
It’s a powerful book with a focus on courage and discovery, perfect for readers who enjoy stories that challenge them to think differently.
Terry Trueman writes books that focus on tough, real-life situations. His novel “Stuck in Neutral” tells the story of Shawn, a teenager with cerebral palsy. Shawn’s mind is sharp, but he can’t move or speak, so no one knows he understands everything around him.
The book centers on his father’s struggle, as he believes Shawn is suffering and considers taking drastic actions. The story gives a unique look at Shawn’s thoughts and perspective, which is both surprising and heartfelt.
Fans of Gary Paulsen’s emotional and straightforward storytelling may enjoy Trueman’s works.
Peg Kehret writes stories filled with adventure and survival, which makes her a great pick for fans of Gary Paulsen. One of her books, “Night of the Twisters,” tells the story of a boy named Dan and a terrifying night when a string of tornadoes tears through his town.
As disaster strikes, Dan must protect his family and friends while navigating the chaos that surrounds them. The book captures the fear and urgency of a natural disaster, while also showcasing the strength and courage people find in unexpected moments.
It’s a fast-paced story that keeps you hooked until the last page.
Elizabeth George Speare wrote historical fiction that often takes readers into pivotal moments in American history.
Her book “The Sign of the Beaver” tells the story of a young boy named Matt who is left to guard his family’s new homestead in the wilderness while his father goes to fetch the rest of the family.
Matt’s struggle to survive on his own leads to an unexpected friendship with Attean, a boy from the local Native American tribe. Their bond grows as they learn from each other, both facing challenges that teach them about loyalty and courage.