Woods Runner

This Historical fiction novel was written by Gary Paulsen. There is no illustrator 

in this story as it is a chapter book. It is intended for readers Grade 6-8, it is 

cautioned for readers, because of some violence.

Author Gary Paulsen grew up in a rough childhood and ran away from home at the

age of fourteen. His love for books all started when the local Librian gave him his

first card and a book. He discovered then that books could be a great companionship.

Woods Runner is set in the Revolutionary War with thirteen year old Samuel. Samuel  and his parents live off in the woods and one day while he is out hunting alone British soldiers come and destroy his village, and kidnap his parents. Frantic Samuel chases after them, meeting a host of great characters along the way. One of which is good ole Coop, Coop and his men find young Samuel after an Indian almost kills him with his tomahawk. Samuel survives this attack and sets off again to find his parents. He next comes along a great family with a young little girl named Annie. After Annie's parents are killed and her home destroyed. He takes Annie with him as he runs into a few other men who welcome them in and help rescue young Samuel's family. The story leaves you in suspense as they rescue Ma and Pa from the British, only to be caught again. 

This story is great for young readers, as they can imagine being in Samuel's shoes, only to discover all their hard work may have not paid off. A lot of my students where I work would be able to relate to this story as many of them are avid hunters and survivors. I am not one to like reading, but this story kept me captivated and on my seat t see if Samuel would again find his family and get out alive. 

Thought Provoking Questions:

• Do you think at the age of just thirteen, you would be able to survive and rescue your parents from the British?
• What do you think will happen to Samuel and his family after the end of the story?
• What made Samuel decide to take little Annie in and not just leave her to be, after only knowing her a few hours?

Motivational Activity:

Students can reference the different vocabulary throughout the text and learn more about different words they do not know or understand. They can also place themselves in the shoes of the different characters and retell the story from their point of view (this you will see in the video below, created by my last semester class). This story can be used to explain different things that went on during the Revolutionary war and have them compare and contrast from them until now too. 

Reference:

 Paulsen, G. (2010). Woods runner. New York: Wendy Lamb Books.

 Woods Runner by Gary Paulsen | Scholastic.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2016, from        http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/woods-runner#cart/cleanup