81 pages • 2 hours read
Woods Runner
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Woods Runner, by Gary Paulsen, is a young adult, historical fiction novel. It takes place during the American War for Independence (1776) from the point of view of a 13-year-old frontier boy. The novel was published by Random House in 2010 and is a favorite in schools because of its educational passages that provide valuable historical information to the reader. Paulsen’s Author’s Note and Afterword explain his desire to show war for the grotesque and horrible experience that it was, rather than through the rose-colored glasses of patriotism and glory. Though it has not won any awards, it is valued among educators and readers of historical books. Other works by this author include Liar, Liar, Lawn Boy, and Northwind.
Plot Summary
Woods Runner follows Samuel Lehi Smith, a 13-year-old boy living on the Pennsylvania frontier in 1776. Only a few days after hearing news of the War for Independence, Samuel’s small settlement is attacked by British soldiers. Many of the settlement are killed; Samuel’s parents, Olin and Abigail Smith, are taken prisoner. At the time of the attack, Samuel is in the woods, where he feels most comfortable.
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