Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

1. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. New York: Bradbury Press, 1987.


2. PLOT SUMMARY

After his parent's divorce, thirteen year old Brian is flying on a bush plane to see his father when the pilot suddenly has a heart attack and dies. Brian survives the plane crash. With only a hatchet at his side, Brian must learn to survive in the wilderness.


3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although it is regarded a classic, I do not sense that the text is dated. The book feels modern because the action takes place in the wilderness, where time does not change its dangers.  The universal concern of being alone and weak makes this book timeless, because you can sympathize at any historic period. A strength of the book is the length because it is a quick read. It is suitable for young ages who are ready for adventure chapter books. The vocabulary is very simple and stays at an elementary grade level. The audio book was a little under four hours long. The book itself is an amazing piece of literature.  It is equally enthralling for adults to read as it is for children. The length is a weakness for older readers because you do not wish the story to end.
The main character is relatable to both boys and girls. The only thing you need to love, to enjoy this book is action and adventure.
Brian struggles with his parents' divorce in many stages. He blames his parents for his situation because if "the secret" had not happened Brian would not have been stranded in the first place. The novel connects with students on a social level who may also be dealing with the separation of a family unit. The students can connect with Brian on an emotional level by his complete isolation from his parents and society. Brian has to learn to be self sufficient and I believe that readers of all ages can connect with need to take care of yourself.
This book has a wonderful place in young adult literature because it's naturalism in character and plot transports the reader to the wilderness with only a hatchet and a need to survive.


4. CREATIVE ACTIVITY

A fun activity to engage readers is to have a team building exercise that highlights creativity. This lesson can be done different ways depending on what kind of supplies you have. The goal is for students to work in teams to build a strong shelter with only a few materials. What is so hard about that? The best part is the students will need to stay completely silent. Brian did not have a chance to communicate when he was stranded and he built a protective structure. Can your student's do the same?
This can be done with a variety of supplies. A popular choice is pretzels and marshmallows because there is a possibility of snack time. I have seen this used successfully by also adding paper to the small structures, but make sure to be very clear about not eating paper. ; )  If food is not the best option for you, there is nothing better than the classic: newspaper. Give the students newspaper and tape and let them use their imagination on a much larger scale. The activity not only helps build relationships, but also builds an understanding for the plight of Brian.


5. RELATED RESOURCES

National Geographic has a lot of intriguing videos on their youtube.com page. This video is a survival story on a different terrain: ice. If the story urges to look for something factual, then this video is for you: Alone on the Ice: The Best Survival Story You've Never Heard

• Roberts, David . "Alone on the Ice: The Best Survival Story You've Never Heard | Nat Geo Live." YouTube. National Geographic, 08 Apr. 2013. Web. 05 June 2017. <https://youtu.be/7lkS5psgo6Q>.

Continue down the rabbit hole that is known as the internet search with this interesting find. The article details ten children who survived against all odd. Read it here: 10 Kids Who Survived in the Wilderness

• Mom.me, K. Thor Jensen for. "10 Kids Who Survived in the Wilderness." Mom.me. N.p., 12 Feb. 2014. Web. 05 June 2017. <https://mom.me/lifestyle/11106-10-kids-who-survived-wilderness-themselves/>.

6. PUBLISHED REVIEW

Kirkus Review over Hatchet. It was originally published on August 15, 1987. It was put online October 18, 2011. Find it here.

• "HATCHET by Gary Paulsen." Kirkus Reviews. Bradbury, 15 Aug. 1987. Web. 05 June 2017. <https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/gary-paulsen/hatchet/>.