Module 7 (Part 2): Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

 

Citation:

Paulsen, G. (2006). Hatchet. New York: Simon Pulse.

Summary:

 Brian is flying in a small plane on his way to visit his father when the plane crashes. Stuck alone, after the pilot dies in the crash, in the wilderness, he must learn survival skills and even has time to prioritize his life. He gains skills like starting a fire, in unexpected places and learns how pety his problems really are.

My thoughts:

Though this is not typically my type of book, I can see the appeal for the reader into introspective books. Brian's struggle with his parents and his desperate attempts to survive, create a great story. I would recommend this to those who enjoy a more intense survival type story.

Professional Review:

"Gr 8-12 Brian Robeson, 13, is the only passenger on a small plane flying him to visit his father in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack and dies. The plane drifts off course and finally crashes into a small lake. Miraculously Brian is able to swim free of the plane, arriving on a sandy tree-lined shore with only his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present. The novel chronicles in gritty detail Brian's mistakes, setbacks, and small triumphs as, with the help of the hatchet, he manages to survive the 54 days alone in the wilderness. Paulsen effectively shows readers how Brian learns patienceto watch, listen, and think before he actsas he attempts to build a fire, to fish and hunt, and to make his home under a rock overhang safe and comfortable. An epilogue discussing the lasting effects of Brian's stay in the wilderness and his dim chance of survival had winter come upon him before rescue adds credibility to the story. Paulsen tells a fine adventure story, but the sub-plot concerning Brian's preoccupation with his parents' divorce seems a bit forced and detracts from the book. As he did in Dogsong (Bradbury, 1985), Paulsen emphasizes character growth through a careful balancing of specific details of survival with the protagonist's thoughts and emotions."

Chatton, B. (1987). Hatchet (Book Review). School Library Journal, 34(4), 103. 

Library Use:
This would be an excellent book to theme a survival program off of. Going through some of the skills Brian thought he would need, and practicing them, within reason.