Gary Paulsen is known for compelling young adult novels about survival and adventure. His book Hatchet is beloved by many readers for its realistic portrayal of wilderness survival.
If you enjoy reading books by Gary Paulsen then you might also like the following authors:
Jean Craighead George often explores themes of wilderness survival and close bonds with the natural world. Readers who like Gary Paulsen will appreciate her realistic portrayal of young people's adventures and resilience in nature.
Her novel My Side of the Mountain tells the story of a boy named Sam who runs away to live alone in the woods, learning to survive using his wits and resourcefulness.
Scott O'Dell is known for vivid historical novels set in untamed landscapes. His stories focus on bravery, isolation, and cultures shaped by their environment.
In his best-known work, Island of the Blue Dolphins, O'Dell tells the lone survival story of a young Native American girl left behind on an island, much like the situations faced by Paulsen's characters.
Will Hobbs writes exciting outdoor adventures filled with authenticity, emphasizing self-discovery and survival skills. Fans of Gary Paulsen will find similar themes of youth facing harsh wilderness conditions in Hobbs's books.
His novel Far North portrays teenagers who must survive a plane crash in the remote Canadian wilderness, relying on courage and resourcefulness.
Jack London's stories often involve stark wilderness environments and dramatic struggles for survival.
Readers who connect with Gary Paulsen's themes of survival, nature's challenges, and self-reliance will appreciate London's classic novel The Call of the Wild, in which Buck, a domesticated dog, must adapt to the harsh realities of the Yukon wilderness.
Farley Mowat brings readers close to the natural world through vivid portrayals of wildlife interactions and humane storytelling. His emphasis on empathy and understanding nature appeals to readers who enjoy Gary Paulsen's thoughtful approach to wilderness adventure.
In Never Cry Wolf, Mowat humorously documents his experiences while observing wolves in the Canadian Arctic, challenging common misconceptions about these animals.
If you enjoyed Gary Paulsen's adventure stories about the wilderness and friendship, you might appreciate Wilson Rawls. His novel Where the Red Fern Grows follows Billy Colman, a young boy who saves up money to buy two hunting dogs.
The story beautifully portrays perseverance, loyalty, and the bond between a boy and his dogs in the rural Ozarks.
Readers drawn to survival themes and youth overcoming challenges, similar to Gary Paulsen's books, will find Ben Mikaelsen's stories appealing.
His novel Touching Spirit Bear tells the story of Cole Matthews, a troubled teen sent to an Alaskan island as an alternative to juvenile detention. Mikaelsen captures Cole's difficult journey toward self-discovery, redemption, and understanding nature.
For readers who like Gary Paulsen's vivid depiction of adventure, Roland Smith offers an exciting blend of action, nature exploration, and suspense.
In his book Peak, Smith portrays the intense experiences of teenage climber Peak Marcello, as he attempts to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Smith skillfully explores themes of ambition, family relationships, and personal growth.
Rodman Philbrick creates stories that connect with readers who relate strongly to Gary Paulsen's realistic portrayals of courageous teens navigating life challenges.
His novel Freak the Mighty centers around the friendship between Max and Kevin, two boys who form an unlikely partnership. Their adventures and trials tackle themes of friendship, courage in adversity, and inner strength.
If you appreciate the deep emotional connections and coming-of-age themes found in Gary Paulsen's writing, Katherine Paterson's novels may resonate with you.
Her beloved book, Bridge to Terabithia, tells the touching story of Jess and Leslie, two young friends who create an imaginary kingdom in the woods. Paterson thoughtfully handles friendship, loss, imagination, and growing up, offering readers a moving and memorable experience.
Elizabeth George Speare creates vivid stories set in historical settings, often focused on young characters who learn resilience and independence. Her writing explores themes of survival, courage, and the strength of friendship.
If you like the wilderness adventures in Gary Paulsen's books, you might also enjoy Speare's The Sign of the Beaver, a story about a young pioneer boy adjusting to life alone in the wilderness and his friendship with an indigenous boy.
Terry Lynn Johnson writes exciting outdoor adventure stories filled with realistic survival skills, strong characters, and stunning wilderness settings. Her stories emphasize determination, teamwork, and respect for nature.
Readers who enjoyed the adventurous and rugged narratives of Gary Paulsen will love Johnson's Ice Dogs, a story about a teenage musher struggling to survive after being stranded in the Alaskan wilderness.
Gordon Korman offers readers lively, often humorous novels about young people facing unusual situations or tackling difficult challenges. His stories balance humor, adventure, and relatable characters who overcome adversity with ingenuity and teamwork.
Gary Paulsen fans might appreciate Korman's book Restart, about a boy who loses his memory after an accident and starts to question who he was and who he wants to become.
Peg Kehret is known for suspenseful stories featuring brave, resourceful kids who face dangerous situations with courage and intelligence. Like Paulsen, Kehret emphasizes themes of survival, self-discovery, and inner strength.
Her novel Escaping the Giant Wave involves two siblings on vacation forced to rely on each other to survive when an earthquake and resulting tsunami strike.
Sara Pennypacker writes gentle yet powerful stories about friendship, resilience, and children's deep emotional connections, particularly to animals. Her sincere style and compassionate take on young characters resonate with themes often seen in Gary Paulsen's novels.
Pennypacker's thoughtful book, Pax, tells the story of a boy who embarks on a brave journey to reunite with his beloved pet fox, drawing readers into a heartfelt exploration of loyalty and determination.