Sarny

Gary Paulsen

Feb 2014 · Recorded Books · Narrated by Lynne Thigpen

About this audiobook

As the Civil War rages around the plantation where Sarny lives, she hears of other slaves running away. They are following the sparkling drinking gourd in the northern sky to freedom. She longs to go wherever she wants and to be allowed to read books, just like the freed slaves. But she has a young son and daughter to look after. When the master sells her children to a stranger, Sarny waits for an opportunity to sneak away to search for them. Her chance comes after a Union soldier kills the master. But is it too late for Sarny to find her family? A turbulent time in America's history bursts colorfully from the pages with award-winning author Gary Paulsen's masterful storytelling. Sarny is his riveting account of an African-American woman's life story from the Civil War days until the early 1930s. Narrator Lynne Thigpen's stunning performance puts you on the scene with Sarny as she builds a new life in the chaotic aftermath of the war. Also available by Gary Paulsen: Nightjohn.

About the author

Gary Paulsen was born on May 17, 1939 in Minnesota. He was working as a satellite technician for an aerospace firm in California when he realized he wanted to be a writer. He left his job and spent the next year in Hollywood as a magazine proofreader. His first book, Special War, was published in 1966. He has written more than 175 books for young adults including Brian's Winter, Winterkill, Harris and Me, Woodsong, Winterdance, The Transall Saga, Soldier's Heart, This Side of Wild, and Guts: The True Stories Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books. Hatchet, Dogsong, and The Winter Room are Newbery Honor Books. He was the recipient of the 1997 Margaret A. Edwards Award for his lifetime achievement in writing for young adults.