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Hatchet - Brian's Saga by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet
Book 1 in the series:Brian's Saga

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.

If you liked Hatchet, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    My Side of the Mountain - Mountain by Jean Craighead George
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    "My Side of the Mountain" is a classic novel by Jean Craighead George that tells the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy who runs away from his crowded city life to live in the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. Sam learns to survive on his own, befriends a falcon named Frightful, and explores the challenges and rewards of living off the land. The book captures Sam's journey of self-sufficiency, connection with nature, and the importance of human companionship, all while showcasing themes of survival, independence, and adventure.

    The plot unfolds as Sam navigates the harsh winter, builds a home in a tree, and learns valuable skills for survival, such as hunting for food and making tools. The writing style of the book is engaging and thought-provoking, with vivid descriptions of Sam's experiences in the wilderness, his interactions with animals, and his personal growth throughout the story. Readers are taken on a captivating journey alongside Sam as he discovers the beauty and challenges of living in harmony with nature.

    I had been working since May, learning how to make a fire with flint and steel, finding what plants I could eat, how to trap animals and catch fish—all this so that when the curtain of blizzard struck...

  2. #2

    Island of the Blue Dolphins - Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
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    "Island of the Blue Dolphins" by Scott O'Dell is a story of survival and resilience, centered around an Indian girl named Karana who is left behind on an island when her tribe sails away. Over the years, she learns to fend for herself by building shelter, making weapons, finding food, and battling wild dogs. Despite her challenges, Karana finds companionship with the animals on the island and longs for human connection. The narrative, based on a true story but with elaborations, follows Karana's journey of survival, personal discovery, and longing for companionship.

    explores themes of survival, loneliness, self-discovery, and the strength of the human spirit. Through Karana's experiences, readers witness her resilience, ingenuity, and determination as she navigates the challenges of living alone on the island. The story not only captures the physical struggles of survival but also delves into the emotional complexities of longing for human connection in the face of solitude.

    I remember the day the Aleut ship came to our island. At first it seemed like a small shell afloat on the sea. Then it grew larger and was a gull with folded wings. At last in the rising sun it became...

  3. #3

    Julie of the Wolves - Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
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    Julie of the Wolves follows the journey of Miyax, a young Eskimo girl who flees her village and finds herself lost in the Alaskan wilderness. She forms a bond with a pack of wolves and must navigate the challenges of survival while grappling with her identity and cultural heritage. The book delves into themes of self-reliance, respect for nature, and the clash between traditional Eskimo ways and modern influences.

    MIYAX PUSHED BACK THE HOOD OF HER sealskin parka and looked at the Arctic sun. It was a yellow disc in a lime-green sky, the colors of six o’clock in the evening and the time when the wolves awoke. Qu...

  4. #4

    Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
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    Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer is a non-fiction book that follows the fascinating and tragic story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who abandoned his possessions, cut ties with his family, and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. The book delves into McCandless' motivations, his struggles for survival, and the philosophical questions surrounding his choices, all while exploring themes of self-discovery, adventure, and the allure of nature.

    Krakauer's writing style in Into the Wild is described as well-researched, thought-provoking, and compelling. The narrative not only focuses on McCandless' journey but also includes the author's personal reflections and experiences, adding depth and emotion to the story. Through interviews, personal journal entries, and detailed accounts, Krakauer presents a gripping tale that forces readers to reflect on themes of youth, independence, and the consequences of living on the edge of society.

    Please return all mail I receive to the sender. It might be a very long time before I return South. If this adventure proves fatal and you don’t ever hear from me again I want you to know you’re a gre...

  5. #5

    The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss
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    'The Swiss Family Robinson' is a classic tale of a family shipwrecked on a deserted island, where they rely on their resourcefulness and unity to survive. The story follows the Robinson family - the all-knowing father, patient mother, and four boys with their individual quirks - as they face challenges, build a life on the island, and make remarkable inventions. Despite some readers finding certain aspects unrealistic, such as the father's vast knowledge of species they encounter, the book is praised for its adventurous plot and the family's ability to thrive in the wilderness.

    The narrative of 'The Swiss Family Robinson' includes elements of survival, adventure, and family bonding, as the Robinsons navigate the island's flora and fauna, build shelter, and explore their surroundings. The book is noted for its detailed descriptions of the family's endeavors, from crafting tools to taming animals, and the engaging storyline that captures the imagination of readers, especially younger audiences who are drawn to the idea of living in a wild, untouched paradise.

    The tempest had raged for six days, and on the seventh seemed to increase. The ship had been so far driven from its course, that no one on board knew where we were. Every one was exhausted with fatigu...

  6. #6
    Robinson Crusoe
    Book 1 in the series:Robinson Crusoe

    Robinson Crusoe - Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
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    Robinson Crusoe is a classic tale that follows the story of an English sailor who gets shipwrecked on a desert island for nearly three decades. The protagonist, Robinson Crusoe, struggles to survive in extraordinary circumstances, grappling with fate and the nature of God. The book delves into themes of isolation, self-sufficiency, faith, and the complexities of human nature. Through Crusoe's experiences, the novel explores the concepts of madness, sanity, and reflections on civilization while navigating the challenges of living in solitude.

    The narrative of Robinson Crusoe offers a blend of adventure, survival, and introspection as the protagonist faces various trials and tribulations during his time on the island. The book provides insights into the psychological aspects of being a castaway, the importance of companionship, and the evolution of Crusoe's character as he navigates through his journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.

    I WAS BORN IN the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family, though not of that country, my father being a foreigner of Bremen, who settled first at Hull. He got a good estate by merchandise, a...

  7. #7

    Last of the Breed - Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures by Louis L'Amour
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    "Last of the Breed" by Louis L'Amour follows the story of U.S. Air Force Major Joe Mack, a man of Sioux descent, who is shot down over Russia, captured, and imprisoned in Siberia. Escaping with minimal supplies, Mack relies on his Native American skills to survive the harsh Siberian wilderness and make his way back to America, all while being pursued by a skilled Yakut tracker. The plot is filled with action, survival challenges, and a cat-and-mouse chase across the icy frontier, showcasing Mack's resilience and resourcefulness. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, capturing the essence of a gripping adventure story set during the Cold War era.

    He had no illusions. He was a prisoner, and when they had extracted the information they knew he possessed, he would be killed. There was a cool freshness in the air like that from the sea, but he was...

  8. #8

    Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry
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    Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry is a coming-of-age story about a young Polynesian boy named Mafatu who is afraid of the sea due to a traumatic experience with his mother. Determined to overcome his fear and prove his bravery, Mafatu sets out on a perilous journey in a canoe, facing various challenges like shipwrecks, battles with wild animals, and survival on a deserted island. The book explores themes of courage, resilience, and self-discovery through the adventures of Mafatu in a Polynesian setting, offering a blend of survival narrative and fable-like storytelling that captivates readers with its vivid descriptions and moral lessons.

    It happened many years ago, before the traders and missionaries first came into the South Seas, while the Polynesians were still great in numbers and fierce of heart. But even today the people of Hiku...

  9. #9

    The Iceberg Hermit by Arthur J. Roth
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    'The Iceberg Hermit' by Arthur J. Roth is a captivating tale of survival and friendship set in the Arctic. The story follows Allan Gordon, a young sailor who becomes the sole survivor after his ship, the Anne Forbes, strikes an iceberg. Facing freezing temperatures, injuries, and loneliness, Allan finds companionship in an orphaned polar bear cub. Together, they navigate the challenges of survival on a floating iceberg prison, highlighting the growth of Allan from a young man into adulthood. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, making it suitable for young readers while still captivating adult audiences.


  10. #10

    The River by Peter Heller
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    'The River' by Peter Heller is a suspenseful novel about two young friends on a wilderness canoe trip facing natural disasters and human frailties, leading to a tragic outcome. The plot is a slow-burn thriller set on the rivers of northern America, focusing on the characters' survival in the face of extreme pressure and strained relationships. The writing style is a mix of suspenseful, literary, and beautiful, with a focus on character development and atmospheric descriptions.

    The two of them loved paddling in storm. With the spray deck sealing the canoe they felt safe as long as they did not broach sideways, and they struck out away from the shadows and sounds of shore. Th...

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