Ages 11–121-min guideAdventureNature
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
Not yetThe pilot dies early on, and the survival scenes are intense. Best at 12 and up.
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What it’s about
Brian, 13, is the only one left after a small plane crashes in the Canadian woods. He has a hatchet and nothing else.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotThe pilot dies in front of Brian; later he finds the body in the plane.
Big feelingsA lotLoneliness, despair, his parents’ divorce and the Secret: his mom’s affair.
Self-harmSomeAfter a plane misses him, Brian tries to end his life, then chooses to live.
Scary momentsSomeA moose attack, a tornado and animals at night.
ViolenceA littleHunting for food.
LanguageNone
Why kids like it
Fast, tense and full of real survival know-how.
Free printable quiz
- 1What tool does Brian have?
- 2How does Brian make fire?
- 3What does Brian call the secret he carries?
- 4How long is Brian alone?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
