TL;DR
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a gripping young-adult adventure novel about Brian Robeson, a boy who survives alone in the wilderness after a plane crash, armed only with a hatchet.
What is Hatchet about
Hatchet, written by Gary Paulsen, is a young-adult adventure novel that follows the story of Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy who survives a plane crash and must fend for himself in the Canadian wilderness. The novel dives into themes of resilience, positive thinking, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity. Using only his hatchet, a gift from his mother, Brian encounters numerous challenges, including dangerous wildlife, dehydration, and starvation, as he learns to adapt and survive in his new environment.
Hatchet 5 Key Takeaways
Plane Crash
Brian is the sole passenger in a small plane when the pilot suffers a heart attack, causing the plane to crash in the Canadian wilderness.
Survival
Armed with only a hatchet, Brian learns to create shelter, find food, and make fire, developing crucial survival skills.
Wildlife Encounters
Brian faces various wildlife threats, including a bear and a porcupine, teaching him the harsh realities of nature.
Mental Struggles
Brian experiences moments of deep despair, loneliness, and hopelessness but learns to keep a positive mindset to survive.
Rescue
After fifty-four days in the wild, Brian is finally rescued when a passing plane spots the signal fire he had learned to maintain.
Top Hatchet Quotes
- 'So much of all this, so much of all living was patience and thinking.'
- 'He had to think, now, think and dream about all the different ways he could make it out.'
Who should read Hatchet?
Hatchet is ideal for young readers aged 10 and above, particularly those in grades 6 to 8. It offers valuable lessons in survival, resilience, and the power of positive thinking, making it an educational and inspiring read.
Hatchet Best Reviews
- The New York Times: 'Hatchet is a remarkable story of resilience and survival that captures the reader's imagination and stays with them long after the last page.'
- School Library Journal: 'Gary Paulsen's Hatchet is an incredible tale of adventure and human spirit, making it a must-read for young readers.'
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Hatchet FAQs
What is the Hatchet book about?
Hatchet is a young-adult adventure novel about Brian Robeson's survival following a plane crash. The novel explores themes of positive thinking and perseverance as Brian faces challenges from nature, like bears, porcupines, dehydration, and starvation; all with only his trusty hatchet to help him.
Is Hatchet appropriate for a 9 year old?
I would recommend this book to most kids 10+ years old. This title has: Educational value.
What grade is Hatchet appropriate for?
This book's Lexile measure is 1020L and is frequently taught in the 6th to 8th grade. Students in these grades should be reading texts that have reading demand of 925L through 1185L to be college and career ready by the end of Grade 12.