[Libs-Or] Taking note of the passing of author Gary Paulsen

[MaryKay Dahlgreen]

Brian,
Thanks for your impressions of Gary Paulsen and his incredible impact on
kids and reading. I too have not read many of his books but the one
that haunts me is *Dancing Carl*, his book about two boys and the quiet
impact a returning war hero has on them and their town.  In fact, I think
I'll listen to it on my way home tonight.
MaryKay

On Fri, Oct 15, 2021 at 4:04 PM Bryan Miyagishima via Libs-Or <
libs-or at omls.oregon.gov> wrote:

> It seems a bit funny that no one here in our Oregon library community has
> made mention of his death, but perhaps libs-or has become more of an
> announcement listserv.
>
> I have to confess that he's never been one of my favorite YA authors, nor
> have I read many of his works. But I remember back to my days of being a
> high school English teacher, when during silent reading time one of my
> students pulled out a well worn copy of *Hatchet* and began reading. And
> I said something like, "John (I don't remember his name after all these
> years), didn't you already read *Hatchet*?" And he replied, "Mr.
> Miyagishima, the ONLY book I read is *Hatchet*!" While my memory is a bit
> fuzzy, I'm feeling pretty hopeful that I introduced him to some other works
> that year.
>
> But what a superpower! I have to take my hat off and honor the memory of
> someone who induced so many reluctant teenage boys to read. I hope that
> some of you have similar stories to tell. And if not Gary Paulsen, then
> another author who has written that "only book" and hopefully gotten your
> patrons started on a love of reading.
>
> Hope yours is a great Friday!
>
> Bryan Miyagishima, Linn-Benton Community College Library
>


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