Hatchet

This is the best book about surviving that I have read, it's on my top 5 list. My favorite part was him trying to survive, and my least favorite part was when and how he got rescued (very far-fetched). The only reason plat is at 4/5 is how he got rescued, I don't want to give away anymore though. Conclusion: great if ou like books about surviving/living off the land.

I learned early on that the books required to read in school are not so bad. This was one of the first books I read for a class in middle school, and I loved it! It really is a book for everyone, because anyone can relate to the survival aspect of Hatchet. No matter the circumstance, we learn to survive and adapt to our surroundings.

I think the book is ok, but i feel that some people will like it learning wise, not that much for like entertainment. I have a different understanding of this book, but it still is good.

Reader reviewed by Raelyn

            Hatchet is the most exciting and thrilling book Ive ever read. It is about a boy who is thirteen and named Brian Robeson. He is going to visit his dad but his plane crashes, but before he got on the plane, his mom gave him a hatchet as a present. Later on it is his most pries position, it is what helps him with hunting and building. He is all alone out somewhere out in the wilderness. He has to survive animal attacks, starvation, and storms, hoping someone will rescue him.

The writer, Gary Paulsen, got his ideas from when he was a child he was fascinated by nature. My favorite line in the book is, he turned back to his campsite and looked to the wreckage. He had a lot to do, rebuild the shelter, get a new fire going find some food or get ready to find some food, make weapons-and he had to work slowly because his ribs hurt. It is based on realistic fiction, and is a really good book. I would recommend this book to every one nine and older. Some other books written by Gary Paulsen are Brains Winter, Brains Hunt, Dancing Carl, Dogsong, Sentries, and Tracker. Hatchet has also won the Newbery Honor Book Award. My brother and dad both read it and said it was one of the best books they have ever read, they didnt want to put it down and I am almost sure you wont either.

            I think every one should read this book, it is adventurous and mysterious. I liked it very muck and I think you will to.

Reader reviewed by ccc

I think hatchet was awesome!!!!!!!!!! It showed survival skills that I didn't even know.          I guess a boy stuck on an island is the best subject  i've ever read about.                    I like all gary paulsen books but this one is my favorite!!!!!!!!!!                 I recommend this book to all readers looking for excitement!

Reader reviewed by Dede

Hatchet is about a 13 year old boy named Brian.  He is flying to visit his father after his parents divorced and the pilot has a heart attack and they crash.  Brian must learn how to survive in the wilderness alone with nothing but the hatchet his mom gave him as a kind of novelty gift.  It is interesting to see how Brian matures in this book as he faces tough obstacles and deals with major let-downs.  There is not much more I can say about this book, it was a bit slow and boring at times, and I thought it could have done without the whole secret aspect - the big secret he was living with - as it didn't really have any effect on the story, in my opinion.  This is a good book for teens and is written very well. 

Reader reviewed by Meeshee

Another old time childhood favorite. Hatchet is a "survival manual" to those who don't wish to venture out in the woods. This book is filled with adventure and the answer to how one might survive in the wilderness. Gary Paulsen has a wonderful way with words and I would gladly and highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a marvelous real life adventure.

Reader reviewed by Ryan

Alright, Hatchet, Hatchet, Hatchet, you got to love Hatchet. OK the story starts out he's in an airplane oh no what is going to happen next? OK, I will tell you one detail he has to survive by himself, that's right all by himself no pilot! Will he survive? You will have to read to find ou!

I recommend this book to everyone! It's a great reader! You don't want to put the book down! Read other books about Gary Paulsen, you will enjoy them! Read Hatchet!

Reader reviewed by Adam

This is a book that when you start you can't stop. A kid decides to fly and see his dad. Something happens to the pilot and the plane crashes. Brain is out in the woods for 2 months. He has to surive on his own.

I like this book because I could not put it down. I just makes you want to read more. The author does a great job of decribing things. You feel like you are right in the woods with Brain as he tries to surive.

Reader reviewed by Allire

In this book Brian was on his way to see his father. His parents recently were divorced, so he was riding in a single person plane to see his dad.. However, soon the plane goes down and crashes in the thick mountains. In this book Brian has to survive using simple tools and his already attained knowledge.


I really thought that this book was boring. There were a few good parts, like when he was remembering seeing his mother kissing another man, that wasn't his father. And when he was trying to fish, but remembered that light deflects, so the fish wasn't actually where it appeared to be in the water. Other than that, I really didn't like it. We read this book as a class in sixth grade. About half of the class liked it, while the other class did not. I think that it really just depends on what types of books the reader would like. I generally like few survival books. However, if someone else liked survival books a lot, then I think that they would like this book better than I did.


Reading the book wasn't a complete waste for me. As I have said, there were a few interesting parts. And I liked how Brian didn't just have it easy. It wasn't like he crashed in the mountains, fished, hunted and lived peacefully. Instead he struggled, just like anyone else would do if they were stranded. Just because I didn't like it, doesn't mean someone else wouldn't like it.