History of Gary Paulsen in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2025

Gary Paulsen was a prolific American author specializing in children's and young adult fiction. He is most recognized for his wilderness-based coming-of-age stories. Over his career, Paulsen authored more than 200 books, along with numerous magazine articles, short stories, and plays, with a primary focus on teenage audiences. His significant contributions to teen literature were acknowledged with the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997.

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Full Timeline

May 17, 1939: Gary Paulsen Born

On May 17, 1939, Gary James Paulsen, an American writer known for children's and young adult fiction, was born. He is best known for his coming-of-age stories.

Others born on this day/year

1959: Served in the U.S. Army

In 1959, Gary Paulsen served in the U.S. Army.

1962: End of U.S. Army Service

In 1962, Gary Paulsen ended his service in the U.S. Army, having attained the rank of sergeant and worked with missiles.

1971: Marriage to Ruth Wright

In 1971, Gary Paulsen married Ruth Wright, an illustrator of children's books, becoming his third wife.

1983: Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

In 1983, Gary Paulsen participated in the 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and finished 41st out of 54 finishers.

1983: Cited Books Publication

In 1983, one of the six cited books "Dancing Carl" by Gary Paulsen for the ALA Margaret Edwards Award in 1997 was published.

Dancing Carl

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1985: Withdrawn/Scratched from Iditarod

In 1985, Gary Paulsen is listed in the "Withdrawn/Scratched" section of the Iditarod.

1985: Dogsong Novel

In 1985, Gary Paulsen's novel "Dogsong" was released. It is among his well-known works.

Dogsong

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1987: Hatchet Novel

In 1987, Gary Paulsen's novel "Hatchet" was released. It is considered his best-known work.

Hatchet

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1989: The Winter Room Novel

In 1989, Gary Paulsen's novel "The Winter Room" was released. It is among his well-known works.

The Winter Room

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1990: Gave up dog sledding

In 1990, Gary Paulsen, suffering from heart disease, made the difficult decision to give up dog sledding.

1990: Cited Books Publication

In 1990, one of the six cited books "Canyons" by Gary Paulsen for the ALA Margaret Edwards Award in 1997 was published.

Canyons

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1997: Margaret Edwards Award

In 1997, Gary Paulsen received the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association for his lifetime contribution to young adult literature.

2003: Dog sledding comeback

In 2003, after spending over a decade sailing the Pacific, Gary Paulsen returned to dog sledding.

2006: Withdrawn/Scratched from Iditarod

In 2006, Gary Paulsen is listed in the "Withdrawn/Scratched" section of the Iditarod.

October 13, 2007: Keynote Speech

On October 13, 2007, Gary Paulsen gave a keynote speech at the Sinclair Lewis writing conference in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, expressing his intent to compete in the Iditarod.

October 13, 2021: Gary Paulsen Died

On October 13, 2021, Gary Paulsen, the acclaimed American author of children's and young adult fiction, passed away. He was known for over 200 books, magazine articles, short stories, and plays.