Hatchet: Gary Paulsen

Title: Hatchet
Author: Gary Paulsen
Publisher: Aladin (1996)

Media Format: Book
Genre: Adventure, Coming of Age
Selection Source: Newbery Honor Book
Reading Audience: Jr. High+
Reading Recommendation: 4 ****
Curriculum Connection: Boy Scouts, Hunter's Safety

Summary
This is a story about a boy who survives a plane crash, only to be stranded in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but the clothes on his back, and the hatchet his mother gave him. Brian uses his determination and his wits to survive in the wilderness. He overcomes swarming insects, large bears, no fire (until he figures it out), and no food. He gathers berries, and learns how to fish using a hand crafted boy and arrow made from a tree and his shoe laces. He eats turtle eggs, and stalks wild grouse. It's fascinating to read how Brian uses his resources to stay alive, and even thrive, while marooned in the harsh bosom of mother nature.

Evaluation
This works very well as an adventure story, and would be a good book for reluctant boy readers. The intensity of the plane crash grabs readers' attention right away, and the book is almost a mystery in the sense that the reader is always guessing and anticipating how Brian is going to solve the next inevitable obstacle that confronts him. It's an inspirational adventure story that readers won't want to set down.