Author: Gary Paulsen
Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Northwind is the final book by the great Gary Paulsen, who sadly passed away last October. Published posthumously in January of this year, Northwind is a beautiful adventure story for readers aged 10-14. As the book jacket says, this book does with the sea what the classic Hatchet did with the woods.
Leif was orphaned after his mother died in childbirth, and now as a young boy, he must leave his camp after a plague kills all the others. He sets out in a dugout canoe heading north along the coastline and soon faces numerous challenges. He runs out of his meager food supply quickly, so he has to craft his own fishing spears in order to catch salmon to eat. He has to find dry mouse nests and kindling to start fires with. He has to check for animal scat – and a few times keep calm as he finds himself face to face with black and brown bears. He has to learn about tides and currents and swells – and even once a vicious whirlpool. He handles everything with stunning maturity though and sees each opportunity as a way to learn more about both himself and the world around him.
Northwind is just what you would expect from Paulsen, and the story is in fact inspired by his own sailing adventures and love of the sea. Readers will delight in all of the animals – whales and dolphins and eagles and penguins – as well as the beauty of the coastline and the ocean. You might just find yourself inspired to have a [less extreme] adventure of your own in the great outdoors!
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Northwind today!
