72 pages • 2 hours read
Hatchet
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Book Brief
208
Novel • Fiction
Canadian Wilderness • 1980s
1987
YA
10-14 years
1020L
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.
Adventurous
Challenging
Inspirational
Contemplative
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
431,447 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
431,447 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Brian’s Mother
Brian’s Mother
Brian’s mother, a constant presence in his thoughts, is involved in an affair that affects their relationship. She gives Brian a hatchet, which becomes essential for his survival.
Brian’s Father
Brian’s Father
Brian's father appears in his dreams and offers guidance. Brian admires his father and keeps the secret of his mother’s affair from him.
The Pilot
The Pilot
The pilot initially flies Brian but dies suddenly. Before his death, he encourages Brian to try flying the plane, imparting wisdom that aids in Brian's survival.
208
Novel • Fiction
Canadian Wilderness • 1980s
1987
YA
10-14 years
1020L
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