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Hatchet

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Book Synopsis

Stranded in the wild with nothing but a hatchet, Brian must learn to survive or perish in this gripping tale of resilience and self-discovery.

Brian is a city boy, not used to living rough. But when his plane crash-lands in the Canadian wilderness, he is left with nothing but a hatchet and a fierce determination to stay alive. Hatchet, the riveting story of a young boy’s struggle against the elements, has captured the hearts of readers for decades.

Now, Brian must learn to find food, make shelter, and brave the untamed wilderness – all while battling the loneliness and despair of being utterly alone. Gary Paulsen’s powerful survival story is a must-read for any fan of adventure, coming-of-age tales, or young adult fiction. Perfect for 12-year-olds and up, Hatchet is a timeless classic that explores the depths of human endurance in the face of unforgiving nature.

Our Review Panel says...

Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet is a powerful survival story that has stood the test of time and would resonate with readers in Key Stage 3.

The novel follows 13‑year‑old Brian Robeson, who is travelling alone to visit his father when the pilot of his small plane suffers a heart attack. Brian crash‑lands in the Canadian wilderness, beginning a gripping journey of resilience and self‑discovery. With only a hatchet and his determination, Brian learns to build shelter, find food, make fire, and face the challenges of nature, from curious beavers to unexpected encounters with bears. Alongside the adventure, Brian is also dealing with the emotional impact of his parents’ recent divorce and a secret he carries about his mother.

This is a beautiful story of resilience, growth and being at one with nature.

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Hatchet

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Book Details

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Gary Paulsen

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