Tracker

by Gary Paulsen

Overview

A boy struggles with the legacy of the hunters in his family in this middle grade adventure from three-time Newbery Honor author Gary Paulsen.

For John Borne’s family, hunting has nothing to do with sport or manliness. It’s a matter of survival. Every fall John and his grandfather go off into the woods to shoot deer and put meat on the table over the long Minnesota winter.

But this year, John’s grandfather is dying, and John must hunt alone. John tracks a doe for two days, but as he closes in on his prey, he realizes he cannot shoot her. For John, the hunt is no longer about killing, but about life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781416939405
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date:	06/26/2007
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	96
Sales rank:	185,001
Product dimensions:	5.28(w) x 7.66(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Gary Paulsen (1931–2021) was one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers, author of three Newbery Honor titles, Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He wrote over 100 books for adults and young readers.

Editorial Reviews

The value of life is the theme of these two rugged novels, the first a coming-of-age tale revolving around a deer hunt, the second a collection of interspliced stories contrasting a celebration of the human spirit with glimpses of the dehumanizing forces of war. Ages 9-13; 12-up. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Thirteen-year-old John Borne’s beloved grandfather is dying of cancer, and this year’s deer hunt won’t be the same. As usual, John’s task is to take a deer for food, but when he gets a clear shot at a doe, he doesn’t pull the trigger. Instead, he decides to track the beast until he can touch her. Only then, John believes, will he understand the lessons that lie hidden in life and death. Muller’s strong, dramatic voice is well suited to Paulsen’s lean, vivid writing. The author’s comments about the book at its conclusion are a nice addition. P.B.J. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine

JUNE 95 - AudioFile