Hatchet

Author: Gary Paulsen
Year: 1987
Genre: Adventure/Survival
Reading Level: Young Adult
Series: First in the Brian's Saga series

Plot Summary: Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father in Canada in a small plane when the pilot dies suddenly of a heart attack. Alone in the plane with the pilot's corpse, off course and with only a rudimentary understanding of flying, Brian first has to figure out how to land the plane in a way that will not lead to his demise. When he finally gets to the ground, Brian finds his troubles are just beginning when he has to survive, alone, in the middle of a Canadian forest. Of course he has to do this with just the clothes on his back and a dorky gift from his mother--a hatchet.

Award/s: Newbery Honor book

Red Flags: stressful situations, a detailed death and general unpleasantries

My Rating: B+. I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and entertaining and fast. But I didn't care for Paulsen's super dramatic style, which I will now imitate: "If he didn't land the plane he would die. Die. That would be it. He would be dead. Forever. Dead." But I did enjoy it! It was just filled with all kinds of unpleasant survival details like vomiting and swollen faces. Also, two words: turtle eggs.