This Side of Wild
Mutts, Mares, and Laughing Dinosaurs
By Gary Paulsen
Illustrated by Tim Jessell
Table of Contents
About The Book
In the National Book Award longlist book This Side of Wild, Newbery Honor–winning author Gary Paulsen 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 companions: his animals. Sled dogs rescued him in Alaska, a sickened poodle guarded his well-being, and a horse led him across a desert. Through his interactions with dogs, horses, birds, and more, Gary has been struck with the belief that animals know more than we may fathom.
His understanding and admiration of animals is well known, and in This Side of Wild, which has taken a lifetime to write, he proves the ways in which they have taught him to be a better person.
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 companions: his animals. Sled dogs rescued him in Alaska, a sickened poodle guarded his well-being, and a horse led him across a desert. Through his interactions with dogs, horses, birds, and more, Gary has been struck with the belief that animals know more than we may fathom.
His understanding and admiration of animals is well known, and in This Side of Wild, which has taken a lifetime to write, he proves the ways in which they have taught him to be a better person.
About The Author
Photo by Ruth Wright Paulsen
Gary Paulsen
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.
About The Illustrator
Tim Jessell
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (September 29, 2015)
- Length: 144 pages
- ISBN13: 9781481451529
- Ages: 10 - 99
- Lexile ® 1150L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
Raves and Reviews
"An absorbing read for animal lovers of any age."
– Publishers Weekly
"Older middle graders and younger teens,especially those who love dogs, will come away with a variety of emotions about wildlife—curiosity, respect, and awe—after reading this funny and perceptive work."
– School Library Journal
Awards and Honors
- NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
- MSTA Reading Circle List
- Spirit of Texas Reading Program
- National Book Award Longlist
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): This Side of Wild eBook 9781481451529
- Author Photo (jpg): Gary Paulsen Photo by Ruth Wright Paulsen(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
