logo

32 pages 1 hour read

Gary Paulsen

Tracker

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1978

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Tracker by Gary Paulsen, John Borne contends with the imminent death of his grandfather from cancer and immerses himself in deer hunting as a coping mechanism. During the hunt, he encounters a doe and realizes that understanding and accepting the deer's life helps him come to terms with his grandfather's mortality, reflecting themes of survival, nature, and emotional resilience.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gary Paulsen's Tracker is praised for its vivid descriptions and realistic portrayal of nature, making readers feel deeply connected to the wilderness. The coming-of-age story resonates with many, highlighting themes of loss and survival. However, some critique the novel for its slow pace and limited character development. Overall, it's a compelling read for fans of outdoor adventure and introspective narratives.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tracker?

A reader who would enjoy Tracker by Gary Paulsen is likely a young adult or middle-grade student interested in themes of nature, survival, and self-discovery. Fans of Paulsen's Hatchet or Katherine Paterson's Bridge to Terabithia would appreciate its introspective narrative and wilderness setting.

Book Details
Pages

96

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota wilderness • 1980s

Publication Year

1978

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

930L

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.