Dogsong
by Gary Paulsen
Adventure
Scholastic, 1985
Summary: The story centers around the adventures of an Inuit boy named Russel who desires to experience the “old ways” of Inuit life while being trapped in a modern existence. Russel begins a relationship with a village elder named Oogruk. The old man tells Russel of how his life was before arrival of outsiders and the advent of their technology and theology. Oogruk is mystical in nature and he captures Russel’s imagination by explaining that life is explained and lived through tribal songs and he should create his own song. Russel attempts this through traveling across the land on a quest of discovery with Oogruk’s sled dog team. During this time he experiences a dream in which he discovers a past life that runs parallel to his own. In it he rescues a young, pregnant girl and defeats a Polar Bear by using traditional hunting methods and his dog team. In doing so Russel discovers his own song of life, the “Dogsong”.
Themes: This book explores traditional themes of courage and self-discovery.
Rationale for Use: Paulsen show his young readers that they should seek their own identity by examining their own personal core values.
Content Area Connections: This book is ideal for use in a Social Studies class when studying traditional Native American culture and how the Inuit’s made use of and adapted to their environment.
Possible Problems or Concerns: Some students may struggle with the blurring of reality and the dream sequences. Many young readers are very literal in their interpretation of events and will need extra help in discovering how the author is using the dream to demonstrate Russel’s quest for personal discovery. In spite of this minor concern I would highly recommend this book for use not only in the classroom but as a book that a student could read for pleasure.
~Randy Johnson
