Hatchet is a riveting adventure novel written by Gary Paulsen and published in 1987. In the book, a teenage boy named Brian Robeson is stranded in the isolated Canadian wilderness after the pilot of the small plane he was on has a fatal heart attack. Forced to survive on his own, Brian must utilize his knowledge, strength, and ingenuity to make it out alive.
In the course of his journey, Brian discovers courage and independence he never knew he had. He faces extreme challenges and learns invaluable skills such as how to snare animals for food and make fire without matches. Though the odds are stacked against him, Brian’s will to survive keeps him going through all kinds of obstacles. Though he experiences moments of despair, his survival story is ultimately inspiring and triumphant.
Hatchet is a thrilling and intense story of determination and survival, but it also carries valuable messages about courage, resilience, and the importance of perseverance. It is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by both children and adults alike for over 30 years. It is often recommended as an outdoor education textbook for children, and is still inspiring many to take up outdoor hobbies.