Dancing Carl

Have you ever wondered what secrets lie hidden beneath the surface of a small, quiet town? Discover how the arrival of a mysterious, silent stranger named Carl can forever change the perceptions of two young boys, and an entire community, in the dead of a harsh Minnesota winter. You'll learn why first impressions can be deceiving and how true understanding comes from looking past the exterior. Through the eyes of twelve-year-old narrator Marsh, you'll see how Carl's strange, silent dances on the ice rink evolve from a local curiosity into a powerful, unspoken story of war, trauma, and the profound resilience of the human spirit.

A three-time Newbery Honor recipient and one of America’s most revered authors for young adults, Gary Paulsen wrote over 200 books that drew from his own life. His difficult childhood, which included running away to join a carnival, fueled his profound understanding of outsiders and the struggles of growing up. Paulsen's raw, adventurous experiences gave him a unique voice, allowing him to craft powerful stories like Dancing Carl that explore the complexities of community and human connection with unflinching honesty.