Woods Runner

1. Bibliography

Paulsen, Gary. WOODS RUNNER. 2010. New York: Random House Children's Books. ISBN: 9780385738842

2. Review

In this historical fiction novel by Gary Paulsen, author of the Newbery Honor Book HATCHET, readers are taken to the backwoods of Pennsylvania during the early stages of the Revolutionary War. Samuel is a 13-year-old boy who is more at home in the deep forest than in the small cabin with his family. His family learns that a war is brewing in nearby cities, but they still feel far removed from the crisis. When Samuel returns from hunting, he discovers to his shock that his home has been burnt to the ground and his parents are taken prisoner by the British and Hessians (Germans soldiers for hire who were brutal during the war). Samuel then ventures out on his own to find them and along the way meets several people who help him. He discovers his own inner strength and must set aside his childhood to become a man in the midst of the danger and chaos. Paulsen includes fascinating historical blurbs before each chapter that give the reader some context as to what is happening in the book. A thrilling read, with some graphic war passages. Recommended for children ages 12 and up.

3. Connections

• Some other books by Gary Paulsen include:
  -BRIAN'S WINTER, BRIAN'S RETURN, and BRIAN'S HUNT
  -HARRIS AND ME
  -HATCHET
  -LAWN BOY and LAWN BOY RETURNS
  -MUDSHARK
  -THE RIVER

• Other books for middle schoolers about the Revolutionary War include:
  -Avi. THE FIGHTING GROUND
  -Fast, Howard. APRIL MORNING
  -Forbes, Esther. JOHNNY TREMAIN
  -Goodman, Joan. HOPE'S CROSSING
  -Harlow, Joan Hiatt. MIDNIGHT RIDER
  -O'Dell, Scott. SARAH BISHOP
  -Wisler, G. Clifton. KING'S MOUNTAIN