72 pages 2 hours read

Gary Paulsen

Hatchet

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1987

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson must survive in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash leaves him stranded. Facing challenges such as finding food and building shelter, Brian uses a hatchet his mother gave him to endure his ordeal and gain newfound self-reliance and adaptability. The story is a gripping tale of resilience and personal growth. The book includes themes of divorce and infidelity.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Gary Paulsen's Hatchet is highly acclaimed for its gripping narrative and well-crafted portrayal of survival, engaging young readers with vivid descriptions and an immersive storyline. Critics praise the protagonist's development and realistic challenges. Some note repetitive elements and occasional pacing issues, but overall, it's lauded as a compelling read for adolescents.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hatchet?

A reader who would enjoy Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is typically a young adult or middle-grade reader interested in survival adventures, resilience, and personal growth. Fans of books like My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George or Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell will find this novel compelling and inspiring.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

1020L

Book Details

Genre

Action / Adventure

Themes

Natural World: Environment

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Life/Time: Coming of Age