Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
After a plane crash leaves thirteen-year-old Brian alone in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet, he must learn to survive — and in the process, discovers what he's truly made of.
Themes
✅ Why We Recommend This Book
A gripping survival story that inspires self-reliance and a deep respect for nature. Boys in particular tend to devour this book. It teaches problem-solving and perseverance through genuine tension and adventure.
Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is flying to visit his father in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot suffers a heart attack and dies. Brian crash-lands the plane in a lake and finds himself completely alone in the wilderness with only the hatchet his mother gave him as a gift.
Over fifty-four days, Brian must figure out how to find food, make fire, build shelter, and survive — all while processing the painful secret he's been carrying about his parents' divorce.
Reading Tips for Parents: A great companion to outdoor activities. After reading, try a simple fire-starting activity (with supervision!) or challenge your child to identify three wild plants in your area.
Discussion Questions:
- What was the most impressive thing Brian figured out on his own?
- How did Brian change from the beginning to the end of the story?
- Why do you think the author included the story of Brian's parents' problems?
- If you were stranded with one tool, what would you choose?