In this book, a 13-year-old boy named Brian finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. With only a survival kit and a hatchet, Brian must learn to survive on his own. The story follows Brian's journey as he navigates the challenges of the wild, including finding food, shelter, and fire. The plot captures the essence of survival and coming of age, depicting Brian's resilience and determination to overcome the obstacles he faces.
The writing style of the book vividly portrays Brian's emotions and struggles, allowing readers to immerse themselves in his experiences. The author, Gary Paulsen, skillfully captures the essence of survival and perseverance, making the story engaging and relatable for readers, particularly those in the middle school age group. Through Brian's adventure, the book delves into themes of self-reliance, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Hatchet include themes of divorce, emotional distress, and some graphic descriptions of survival struggles.
From The Publisher:
Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Thirteen-year-old Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake, and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure. Brian had been distraught over his parents' impending divorce and the secret he carries about his mother, but now he is truly desolate and alone. Exhausted, terrified, and hungry, Brian struggles to find food and make a shelter for himself. He has no special knowledge of the woods, and he must find a new kind of awareness and patience as he meets each day's challenges. Is the water safe to drink? Are the berries he finds poisonous? Slowly, Brian learns to turn adversity to his advantage; an invading porcupine unexpectedly shows him how to make fire, a devastating tornado shows him how to retrieve supplies from the submerged airplane. Most of all, Brian leaves behind the self-pity he has felt about his predicament as he summons the courage to stay alive.
A story of survival and of transformation, this riveting book has sparked many a reader's interest in venturing into the wild.
Winner of the 1988 Newbery Honor
Ratings (89)
Incredible (15) | |
Loved It (36) | |
Liked It (22) | |
It Was OK (12) | |
Did Not Like (2) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (126):
Read It (96) | |
Want To Read (17) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (11) |
1 comment(s)
A classic. While still “child-appropriate”, it was way less of a children’s book than I anticipated or remembered. Might have to dig out some of the sequels.
What can you read after
Hatchet?
About the Author:
Gary Paulsen is one of the most honored writers of contemporary literature for young readers, author of three Newbery Honor titles, Dogsong, Hatchet, and The Winter Room. He has written over 100 books for adults and young readers. He divides his time among Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, and the Pacific.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
