Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Paulsen, G. (1987). Hatchet. Simon and Shuster Books for Young Readers.

Brain is a 13 year old boy on his way to see his Dad in the oil fields of Northern Canada. He is taking a bush plane when the pilot suddenly has a heart-attack. Brian escapes the crash landing into the lake with only the hatchet that his mother gave him.  He uses the hatchet to help him in the wild. He struggles at first but quickly learns what he needs to do in order to survive including making fire, hunting and fishing, and building a shelter. During this time, Brian reflects on his parents divorce and his life back home. One day a tornado destroys his shelter but turns up the airplane that had sunk in the lake. Brian swims to it to collect a survival pack that includes a transmitter.  He doesn't know what it is, but soon finds himself being rescued.

Hatchet is a classic young adult survival story.  It is considered a "robinsonnade" because it closely follows the basic concept of the adventures of Robinson Crusoe.  Hatchet has the elements of an adventure and survival story because it shows Brian's hardships in the wilderness and his life and death situations with animals and the elements. The story shows his loneliness as well as courage and problem solving skills. I would consider this novel timeless but it seems to be especially intriguing in the world we live in today full of modern conveniences and technology. It raises a good question to readers (and for teachers of these readers), would we be able to survive in the same situation? Along with the study of great literary elements, this question could add meaning and value when teaching with this book.