Picture a storyteller who whisked readers into the wild heart of nature, crafting tales of adventure and self-discovery—meet Will Hobbs! This American author, known for his gripping young adult novels, turned rugged landscapes into vibrant backdrops for coming-of-age stories. With a knack for engaging both boys and girls, Hobbs’s work celebrates the outdoors and the choices that shape us.
The Making of Will Hobbs
Born on August 22, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, William Carl Hobbs grew up in an Air Force family, moving across Panama, Virginia, Alaska, and beyond. His childhood was a tapestry of mountains, rivers, and books, sparking a lifelong love for the wilderness. A Stanford graduate with a B.A. and M.A. in English, Hobbs taught reading and English in southwest Colorado for 14 years, honing his understanding of young readers. In 1990, he traded the classroom for full-time writing, drawing on his experiences hiking, rafting, and exploring the San Juan Mountains.
Will Hobbs’s Unforgettable Stories
Hobbs’s novels are thrilling odes to nature, blending heart-pounding adventure with introspective journeys. His debut, Changes in Latitudes (1988), follows a teen grappling with family turmoil and endangered sea turtles in Mexico, setting the tone for his realistic, relatable storytelling. Bearstone (1989), a beloved tale of a Native American boy finding strength through a turquoise bear carving, became a staple in classrooms, replacing Where the Red Fern Grows in Prentice-Hall’s 7th-grade anthology. Downriver (1991), a whitewater rafting saga through the Grand Canyon, and Far North (1996), a survival epic in the Canadian Arctic, earned spots on the American Library Association’s list of the 100 Best Young Adult Books of the 20th Century. Hobbs’s style—vivid, immersive, and grounded in real-world settings—invites readers to explore wild places and face tough choices alongside diverse characters.
His versatility shines in Ghost Canoe (1997), a mystery that won the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Young Adult Mystery, weaving ancient treasure and betrayal into a Pacific Northwest adventure. Whether navigating canyons or confronting grolar bears, Hobbs’s stories resonate with themes of renewal, adoption, and the hero’s quest, making them timeless for young readers.
Why Will Hobbs Matters
Will Hobbs’s impact on young adult literature is profound, inspiring a love for adventure and the outdoors in generations of readers. His ability to craft relatable characters and authentic settings has earned him accolades like the California Young Reader Medal and the Western Writers of America Spur Award. By taking readers into the wilderness, Hobbs not only entertains but also fosters a deeper appreciation for nature and personal growth. His stories, translated into languages like German, continue to captivate a global audience, cementing his legacy as a master of outdoor adventure.
- Born: August 22, 1947, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Bearstone, Downriver, Far North, Ghost Canoe
- Awards: Edgar Allan Poe Award, ALA Best Books for Young Adults (7 novels)
Snag Bearstone or Downriver and dive into Will Hobbs’s thrilling world of adventure!