The Voyage of the Frog was written by Gary Paulsen, a prolific author of young adult fiction from the late 20th and early 21st century. His novels primarily focus on the stories of boys and young men who must rely on their skills and wits to survive harrowing encounters in the wilderness. The Voyage of the Frog is no exception; through its teenage protagonist, its setting, and its main conflict, the novel exemplifies many repeated themes and archetypes of Paulsen’s coming-of-age adventure fiction. In particular, David’s voyage at sea exemplifies the themes of overcoming adversity and exploring the tenuous line between life and death. As the story unfolds, David must use the seafaring knowledge he has gained to navigate with only a compass, weathering strong storms that threaten to send his boat to the bottom of the ocean.

Although Paulsen specializes in fiction, his novels draw on his own numerous experiences with the natural world as a boy and throughout his adulthood. For example, Paulsen sailed the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California for many years and even lived in a houseboat for some time.