Gone to the Woods
Surviving a Lost Childhood
by Gary Paulsen
2023
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.9 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include neglect and abuse
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- resilience
- survival
- neglect and abuse
- nature and the outdoors
- power of reading
- identity
- hope
- coming of age
About this book
Gary Paulsen’s powerful memoir traces the moments that shaped him—from a neglected childhood in Chicago to life-changing seasons in the North Woods and the discovery of books that opened a path forward. Told in vivid, accessible scenes, it reveals the real experiences behind his famous survival stories. This is a raw but hopeful coming-of-age tale that resonates with older middle-grade readers and young teens. Fans of Hatchet will appreciate seeing how nature, resilience, and reading helped Paulsen survive and become a writer.
Setting: Chicago and the North Woods (Minnesota), 1940s–1950s
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gone to the Woods right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Gone to the Woods. The reading level is AR 5.9, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include resilience, survival, neglect and abuse.
How long does it take to read Gone to the Woods?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Gone to the Woods takes around 6.7h to finish. The book has 66,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Gone to the Woods have an AR quiz?
Yes — Gone to the Woods has an AR quiz available, worth 10 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Gone to the Woods?
Gone to the Woods has an AR reading level of 5.9, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.