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Woods Runner (2010)

by Gary Paulsen(Favorite Author)

3.83 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0385738846 (ISBN13: 9780385738842)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Wendy Lamb Books

review 1: I have a very love hate relationship with historical fiction for young readers, not because of the genre itself but, because I think that some tropes in the genre border on becoming dangerously close to becoming over done. Woods Runner is a good enough story about the nature of warfare on the American frontier during the Revolution but, I just wish that I could actually feel like its a fresh take on the genre. The main character has to survive in hostile territory surrounded on all sides by people who are much older than him has been done so much that I've gotten a little bored with the concept.The writing is good which can be expected from the man who wrote hatchet, and numerous other woodland survival stories about young adults trapped in the forest away from civilizatio... moren. But, the atmosphere is tense and the conflict around the protagonist could spark at any time, and Paulsen's own knowledge of the outdoors is clearly defined in the main characters actions so it actually gives the character some depth that really contributes to the story.The cover is very appropriate for the story introducing the time period through the man characters clothes and equipment while hinting at a larger adventure in the forest.I would reccomend this book for late fifth grade since Paulsen generally tends to write in a style that's more appropriate for middle school level comprehension, and it is a war story which is more appropriate for more mature readers in my opinion.
review 2: Gary Paulsen really knows how to bring you alongside a character. In the book, Woods Runner, the thirteen year old main character named Samuel faces enormous trial during the American Revolution. He is put into a position that requires endurance, strength of mind and strength of will. This is a story of a boy who desperately seeks the safety of his family throughout a confusing time in America's history, and a family's struggle for survival. Samuel is an amazing character who simply wants a life of solitude and peace that he finds in the forest near his home. He is the type of character that most everyone can relate to. Samuel is struggling with life events that he shouldn't have to deal with at his age. He grows throughout this story and he learns so much about his own life and the world around him.Annie is a sweet character who is so willing to take the harsh journey with little complaint. This precious, little character has witnessed traumatizing events that should have rendered her incapable of continuing. She finds strength in her goal of joining Samuel on his quest to find his family.The details from the story draw the readers in and make you feel like you are there with the characters. While reading this story, I could feel the emotions that were being conveyed by Paulsen. The description of the smells Samuel was smelling came to life as I was reading so that I felt like I was smelling those awful, tear-jerking smell. I love how this story is based on the lives of the people in the frontier instead of the constant story of the front lines. This story is discussing the backbone of America during its revolution. It may not be the most heroic of stories or the stories that everyone talks about but it is always important to look at the whole picture, even the background scenery, for those stories that are so rich with strength and perseverance. This story gives the reader that image. less

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