If you enjoy reading books by Gary Paulsen then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Gary Paulsen’s vivid tales of wilderness and adventure might also appreciate the works of Jack London. London’s stories often focus on the raw struggles between humans and nature, exploring survival, courage, and resilience.
One excellent example is “The Call of the Wild,” a thrilling story of Buck, a domesticated dog stolen from his comfortable life and forcibly thrust into the tough world of the Yukon gold rush.
The novel captures Buck’s profound transformation from gentle pet to a powerful sled dog driven by instinct and primal strength. London’s storytelling reveals not just a compelling adventure but also a meaningful look at the thin line separating civilization from wildness.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s vivid and realistic stories about survival and adventure in the wilderness, you might also like Jean Craighead George. She writes fascinating tales that explore a real connection between young people and the natural world.
A good book to start with is “My Side of the Mountain.” It follows a young boy named Sam Gribley who heads off on his own into the Catskill Mountains. Sam survives by relying on his resourcefulness, befriends animals, and learns valuable lessons from nature.
Jean Craighead George’s writing is clear, insightful, and authentic, perfect for anyone who loves outdoor adventure and tales of survival and independence.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s vivid stories of adventure and survival, Scott O’Dell is another author you’ll likely appreciate. O’Dell has a real talent for writing stories that bring historical periods alive through the experiences of young characters.
One of his most famous books is “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” which tells the incredible story of Karana, a young girl left behind alone on an island when her tribe departs. She has to fend for herself, face wild animals, and adapt to harsh circumstances.
Karana’s tale is filled with courage, resourcefulness, and a deep respect for nature, themes that will resonate with fans of Paulsen’s outdoor survival novels like “Hatchet” or “Dogsong.”
Will Hobbs is an author whose adventure-packed stories often remind readers of Gary Paulsen. His novel “Far North” follows two teenagers stranded in the harsh Canadian wilderness after their plane crashes.
Lost and facing freezing temperatures, they must find the strength and courage to survive. The book vividly details their daily struggles against nature’s toughest challenges.
Those who enjoy the wilderness and survival elements in Paulsen’s adventures might find Will Hobbs equally engaging.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s vivid wilderness adventures, you might also appreciate Farley Mowat’s captivating stories of wildlife and survival.
His book “Lost in the Barrens” explores the Canadian tundra through the eyes of two teenagers, Jamie and Awasin, who become stranded when their canoe overturns.
Facing the fast-approaching winter, the boys must rely on their wits, friendship, and determination to make it home alive. Mowat describes the Arctic landscape and its wildlife with great authenticity, immerses readers into the harsh yet beautiful northern environment.
This tense but memorable adventure highlights courage, resourcefulness, and human bonds forged in difficult conditions.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventurous stories about courageous kids and their relationships with the wilderness, you should try Wilson Rawls. His book “Where the Red Fern Grows” is about a determined young boy named Billy who wants his own hunting dogs.
He saves money carefully until he can finally get two pups, Old Dan and Little Ann. Together they explore the forests and hills of the Ozarks, facing danger and sharing moments of loyalty and courage.
The bond between Billy and his dogs, their adventures, and the emotional turns their tale takes make Rawls’ storytelling unforgettable.
Books by Brian Jacques offer exciting stories full of adventure, courage, and survival themes that readers of Gary Paulsen might enjoy. Jacques, famous for his “Redwall” series, crafts animal characters who live, struggle, and battle in a vibrant, medieval-inspired world.
In “Redwall,” young Matthias, an apprentice mouse at Redwall Abbey, dreams of becoming a brave warrior as he hears legends of heroes past.
When the ruthless rat Cluny the Scourge threatens their peaceful community, Matthias sets out on a quest to find the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior and protect all he holds dear.
Jacques creates a richly detailed setting filled with action, friendship, and fierce battles that keep you turning pages.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventure and survival stories about young people facing nature’s challenges, you may also appreciate the works of Armstrong Sperry.
Sperry is best known for his classic novel, “Call It Courage,” which follows Mafatu, a boy who fears the sea after a traumatic experience. Determined to regain his dignity and courage, Mafatu sets out alone onto the ocean, facing storms, isolation, and unknown lands.
His struggle against fear and the elements creates a story of bravery and self-discovery. Sperry captures the beauty and danger of the ocean, weaving in Polynesian culture and traditions, in a way that brings readers straight into Mafatu’s journey.
Books by Katherine Paterson often explore young characters facing challenging adventures and emotional struggles, themes that appeal to readers who enjoy Gary Paulsen’s stories.
In “Bridge to Terabithia,” Paterson invites readers into the lives of Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two unlikely friends who create a secret imaginary kingdom called Terabithia.
Together, they escape everyday struggles and family expectations through their imaginative adventures. But the story takes an unexpected turn, and Jess must face a deep loss that challenges him to find strength and courage in unexpected ways.
Paterson captures the heart of friendship, bravery, and growing up.
Lois Lowry is an author who brings young readers stories of courage, adventure, and deep thought, similar to Gary Paulsen’s compelling tales of survival. Her novel “Number the Stars” centers on the bravery of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen during World War II.
Annemarie helps protect her Jewish best friend, Ellen, from Nazi soldiers occupying Denmark. Through Annemarie’s experiences, the story explores friendship, bravery, and the quiet heroism found in everyday people during extraordinary challenges.
Lowry’s storytelling is clear and powerful, making readers reflect on history and the strength of human compassion.
Books by S. E. Hinton often explore the struggles and experiences of teenagers facing tough life situations, a theme Gary Paulsen fans will appreciate.
In “The Outsiders,” Hinton tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a young teen caught between rival gangs and intense social pressures. The novel paints a raw picture of friendship, loyalty, and hardship in a small Oklahoma town.
Ponyboy and his brothers face challenges from their tough neighborhood and must stick together to navigate conflicts and tragedy. This exploration of young lives feels honest and real, similar to the genuine narratives readers find in Paulsen’s books.
If you enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventurous and heartfelt stories, Sharon Creech is another author you will appreciate. Creech writes stories filled with real-life emotions, relatable characters, and themes of discovery.
Her novel “Walk Two Moons” follows thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, known as Sal, on a cross-country trip with her grandparents. Along the way, Sal tells them the story of her friend Phoebe Winterbottom, whose mother has mysteriously disappeared.
As Sal shares Phoebe’s experiences, she begins to reflect on her own missing mother and the truths hidden within her family’s past. Creech masterfully blends humor, heartache, and a touch of mystery to create a story that stays with you long after you reach the final page.
Readers who enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventure-filled novels should check out books by Avi. Avi writes stories that pull young readers straight into action and suspense, often featuring strong, relatable characters.
A great place to start is “Crispin: The Cross of Lead,” which follows a boy named Crispin in medieval England after he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
Crispin must flee his village to stay alive, meeting fascinating companions and plenty of danger along the way. Avi’s stories, like Paulsen’s, blend exciting adventures with a sense of survival and exploration, giving readers plenty to keep turning pages.
Roland Smith is an author known for adventurous books that plunge readers into exciting journeys through harsh terrains and wild environments. His book “Peak” follows a fourteen-year-old named Peak Marcello who gets caught illegally scaling New York City’s skyscrapers.
After his arrest, Peak’s famous mountaineer father intervenes and offers him a fresh start—an extraordinary chance to climb Mount Everest.
Faced with freezing temperatures, dangerous trails, and the rivalry among climbers who want to set new records, Peak slowly learns the true meaning of courage and family.
For fans of Gary Paulsen’s wilderness adventures and survival tales, Smith’s stories offer similar themes of personal growth, exciting settings, and compelling characters tested by nature’s challenges.
Carl Hiaasen writes novels that combine adventure, humor, and a passion for nature, a great fit for readers who enjoy Gary Paulsen.
His book “Hoot” follows a boy named Roy who moves to Florida and finds himself caught up in protecting tiny endangered owls from a construction project.
Roy teams up with quirky new friends to save the owls and their habitat, facing off with developers who are more concerned about profits than nature.
With funny characters, realistic challenges, and a clear love for conservation, Hiaasen offers young readers plenty of excitement and a strong message about protecting the environment.