Woodsong is an autobiography by Gary Paulsen. In this book, Paulsen recounts the moments in
nature that helped him to realize just how much of an influence nature has shaped him into who
he is. In the first half of the book, Paulsen recalls what inspired him to race in the Iditarod. His
dogs become his family, especially Storm, his favorite dog. He also explores some of the things
in nature he finds truly fascinating and prepares for the Iditarod. In the second half of the book,
he is racing the Iditarod. He includes daily updates of what he is facing on the trail. On the race,
he begins to realize that the dogs saved his life by teaching him the true beauty of nature. I like
that the book has two parts. The first part allowed us to learn about the dogs before the race
began. I also like how the book didn’t go in chronological order, but instead, Paulsen wrote the
book in the order of the important life lessons he learned from nature.