Gary Paulsen is synonymous with middle grade adventure survival stories such as Hatchet and Woods Runner, but in his memoir Paulsen writes a collection of short stories about his childhood through adulthood. If not for the woods, a librarian and the military, Paulsen would not be the author we know today. This is great for those who want an insight into the mind of this amazing and prolific writer and to remind librarians why we do what we do. Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book. Grab your copy January 12.

Gone to the Woods is a memoir of the author's rough childhood and adolescent years. As a parent, it is an incredibly difficult read. Beautiful writing, but very, very heartwrenching content. As a librarian, this book made me remember why I do the work I do. Right now (September 2020), library work is often difficult and exhausting; everything is upside down as it is for everyone else in the world. But hearing Mr. Paulsen describe his introduction to the library as a haven and books as food was another reminder that the work we do matters, and every child we encounter matters, whether we realize it or not. I wonder if the librarian in his book ever knew the impact she had on his life.

This is my #1 favorite for 2020.