39 pages • 1 hour read
Gary PaulsenWoodsong
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 1990A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Published in 1991, the adventure biography Woodsong recounts novelist Gary Paulsen’s experiences as a dogsled driver, including his participation in the Iditarod race across Alaska. He describes the hard-won lessons he learns, the strange and wondrous things he witnesses, and the love and admiration he feels for the dogs he trains with. Certain episodes in the story contain extreme violence involving wild animals.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Gary Paulsen's Woodsong highlight its engaging storytelling and vivid portrayal of sled dog racing. Readers appreciate Paulsen's firsthand insights and descriptive narrative. However, some find the pacing inconsistent and a few anecdotal sections less compelling. Overall, it's praised for its authenticity and adventure, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Woodsong?
Readers who relish survival stories, deep connections with nature, and character-driven narratives will enjoy Woodsong by Gary Paulsen. Fans of Hatchet and Brian's Winter will appreciate its vivid storytelling and introspective journey through the Alaskan wilderness, making it ideal for middle-grade to young adult audiences seeking adventure and self-discovery.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
1030LBook Details
Action / Adventure
Children's Literature
Auto/Biographical Fiction
Natural World: Animals
Natural World: Environment
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Sports
Animals
Science / Nature