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.

Flush: Carl Hiaasen

Title: Flush

Author: Carl Hiaasen

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Media Format: Book

Genre: Coming of Age, Mystery

Selection Source: YALSA 2006 Best Books for Young Adults

Recommended Audience: Young YAs

Reading Recommendation: 3 ***

Curriculum Connections: Ecology

Summary

Flush is Hiaasen's second young adult novel. It's a readable eco-mystery, adventure story, which is typical of Hiaasen's adult works as well. Someone as young as ten could probably read it, but it's suitable reading for older YAs as well.

Noah Underwood is 14 years old, and his father is in prison. Not only is his father in prison, but he's proud of the actions that got him there. His father, Paine, sunk a casino ship, because he believed the owner was dumping sewage into the ocean. Noah looks up to his father and believes him, so he wants to do a little detective work to prove his father right (if not innocent). With the help of his sister, a barmaid, and a mysterious pirate, who always shows up at the right time, Noah searches for the truth. He has to fight bullies and escape from people capable of murder in order to uncover the truth.

Evaulation

At it's heart, this is a novel about family. It's about how a family can love each other, but still do things to alienate each other. I think that's why it's best for young YAs, the lessons put forth are transparent and easy to follow. The good guys are good, and the bad guys are bad. It doesn't wade into complex arguments about environmentalism. This isn't about cap and trade versus carbon tax, people of all political stripes can agree (you would hope) that dumping sewage into the ocean is an abominable offense that should be punished. It does challenge the reader to question ethics versus legality. What Paine did was illegal, but was it unethical? It brings to their attention the possibility of civic disobedience as a form of protest. But, the reader has to read between the lines to find those arguments. All readers will be able to discern the message of the importance of family, and sticking together to do the right thing.