Reviews

Northwind by Gary Paulsen

clarkf87's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

4.25

evee_dragon's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense slow-paced

5.0

beckybo's review against another edition

3.0

A survival story - maybe it just wasn't the right time for me. Lots of lovely nature descriptions, but the plot moved slowly. A book about self reflection and growth.

douglas77's review against another edition

3.0

To me it seemed like a Hatchet retelling on water, however, this book just stops with no clear ending. I thought the Author's notes were the best part of the book.

jessdoney's review against another edition

5.0

Paulsen is a master of description. Truthfully, sometimes I wish he wasn’t so great, as he chooses to describe terrifying situations to a T. However, rarely can I get his books out of my head, and as an educator his books are my go to when I want to read a book as an example of description. Plus, my kids that love the outdoors always love picturing themselves in these harrowing tales. I rarely find a person, adult or child, that has read books like Hatchet and not been affected by them. So, this is EASILY a true five star book for me. I highly recommend it to kids and adults!

dinamurray73's review against another edition

2.0

This is the last book Paulsen wrote, and was described as doing for the ocean what Hatchet did for the woods. I don't really agree, I think Hatchet was a much more accessible book for kids. This book was not bad, I just don't think it is going to capture the interest of reluctant readers like Hatchet did. The main events are the narrator paddling north, eating fish and berries, avoiding bears, and watching whales. Nature is good, people are bad. Ok, got it.

dayeg54's review against another edition

5.0

Mr Paulsen died in 2021. Granted there was a lot going on, but I was surprised and embarrassed to learn this about five weeks ago. I love his writing and this is top tier. RiP good sir.

ewhaverkamp's review against another edition

4.0

A different and reflective story from Gary Paulsen. I wish I had read the author's note first. This wasn't a real land but a mix of the west coast and Norway. A coming of age story from a very singular perspective. Our main character has a name, Leif, and he has purpose, to go north. There really isn't any other characters except the whales. I think this one would make a great read aloud for classrooms. I will try it and report back!
Cholorea
Sickness
Loss
Orphan
whales
exploring
canoe
Survival
fishing

lratkinson's review against another edition

5.0

listed on Mock Newbery 2023

nicolefields's review against another edition

5.0

Beautifully written. Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook version!