“Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen

I read a book called “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen. Paulsen won three Newberry Honor awards. He likes to go to Alaska, New Mexico, Minnesota, and the Pacific. Gary Paulsen has written 100 books for adults and young readers. 

Brian is a 13-year-old boy who was in a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness. Brian had a hatchet that helped him survive in the woods.  The book begins with Brian and a pilot in a Cessna bush plane. The plane crashes in the Candian wilderness and most of the story takes place in the woods around a lake. 

The main character in this story is Brian Robeson. Brian is 13. Brain has a hatchet that his mother gave him. Brian’s parents are divorced and he has a Secret. The Secret is that Brian saw his mother in a station wagon with a blond man. She kissed him, which is why his parents divorced. Brian is a brave kid who survived in the woods. 

There are several main events that happen in the story of “Hatchet.” First, the place crashes in a lake. Next, Brian was the only one who survived. Brian had to find some shelter, food, and water. Then, he built a shelter and a fire. He ate some berries, but he got sick from the berries. He caught some fish to eat. Finally, after a tornado, the plane poked out of the water. Then another plane saw it and came to the rescue.

The part of the book I found to be most interesting is around chapter 12, when Brian made a spear for catching fish. I enjoy fishing, but I have never fished with a spear. I am inspired to make a spear as well. 

I loved reading “Hatchet.” Brian was surviving on his own. He is also 13, just like me! I loved the book because he is a kid who has to live in the woods. I liked how Brian finds food and shelter. I relate to the story because I, too, was in the woods and surviving with my friends in survival class.