Fueled by a passion for running dogs, Gary Paulsen entered the Iditarod-the eleven hundred and eighty mile sled-dog race through the Alaskan wilderness-in dangerous ignorance and with a fierce determination. For seventeen days, he and his team of dogs endured blinding wind, snowstorms, frostbite, dogfights, moose attacks, sleeplessness, hallucinations-and the relentless push to go on. Winterdance is the enthralling account of a stunning wilderness...

Author Gary Paulsen relates tales from his youth in a small town in northwestern Minnesota in the late 1940s and early 1950s, such as skiing behind a souped-up car and imitating daredevil Evel Knievel.

The author describes some of the dogs that have had special places in his life, including his first dog, Snowball, in the Phillippines; Dirk, who protected him from bullies; and Cookie, who saved his life.

The author recalls his experiences as a migrant laborer and carnival worker after he ran away from home at age sixteen.

"The Newbery Honor-winning author of Hatchet and Dogsong shares surprising true stories about his relationship with animals, highlighting their compassion, intellect, intuition, and sense of adventure. Gary Paulsen is an adventurer who competed in two Iditarods, survived the Minnesota wilderness, and climbed the Bighorns. None of this would have been possible without his truest companion: his animals. Sled dogs rescued him in Alaska, a sickened poodle...

"When Brian Robeson goes to visit his dad in Canada, the last thing he expects is that his plane will crash and he'll be stranded in the wilderness. Learn about the author's harrowing real-life experiences that are the basis of the novel. Get the facts about the dangers Brian faces in the Canadian North Woods and learn about foraging, fishing without gear, and how to start a fire without matches"--Provided by publisher.

A biography of an author whose varied experiences provided background for many of his adventure stories, historical novels, sports books, and nature stories.

A biography of the outdoor adventurer and author, whose writing includes adventure stories, historical novels, sports books, and nature stories.