“April 19, evening: Last night I escaped. The weird thing is that I escaped to a place where all the residents are locked up. Oh, they’re treated real good and everything, but they just can’t leave. I know what that’s like.”

Last Sam’s Cage is the remarkable story of fifteen-year-old Eddie Slater. Already labeled a young offender, Eddie runs away from an abusive step-father and takes up residence at the Calgary Zoo. There he meets Jack, a middle-aged man who has been coming to the zoo’s playground every day for thirty-two years to watch the children. Convinced that Jack is either a pervert or just plain weird, Eddie follows him home one day, and eventually breaks into his house to see what he can find. He discovers more than he bargained for—and that discovery changes both Eddie and Jack for good.

“Brilliant! I couldn’t put it down.”—Sharon E. McKay, best-selling author of Charlie Wilcox

Last Sam's Cage ... nominated for:
The 2005 Snow Willow Reader's Choice Award (SK) and The MYRCA Reader's Choice Award (MB)

... published by Key Porter Books, Toronto

David A Poulsen has emerged as one of Canada's most sought-after guest authors and creative writing workshop leaders in schools. A former teacher, he is at home with students from K-12. His author visits are high energy, funny, informative and entertaining as he shares with students his life and love of writing. David has 17 published books to his credit - among them, children's and young adult books, adult fiction and sports biography.

"Mr.. Poulsen gave a very animated talk to students revealing both the work and ultimate joy of being a writer.  He kept students engaged from start to finish and shared with students a very important reality: that life is enriched by reading.  He's welcome back anytime!
... Joanne Melo, Principal, St Bonaventure Catholic School

"David Poulsen is a natural born speaker when it comes to interacting with kids and getting them 'hooked' on reading and writing.  He frames his life's journey with a down-to-earth, comedic presentation style that focuses on the writing process and what being an author entails.  The students were inspired by his message, motivated to read more, and sad to see him leave.  He leaves an indelible mark on his audiences."
... Joyce Lister, Librarian, Centennial Public School in Brampton

READING REQUIREMENTS
David can work with virtually any size of group in almost any setting for his author talks but requests that all audience members be able to see and hear him. It is a good idea to group the students as much as possible according to age/grade for the individual sessions. Smaller groups are best for the writing workshops. (20 students is optimum; 25 is the maximum).
Call or email for further details.

See further information about David's books