Hatchet — Classic Survival Tale for Young Readers

For some reason I missed this book when it first came out in 1987. So last weekend, when my grandchildren donated some books for our garage sale, and I saw the Newberry Award medallion on the cover of Hatchet, I picked it up “just to see.”

I didn’t really put it down until I’d finished it!

Hatchet is a great story for young readers ages 7 or so, up to 12 or 13!

The story is simple. Thirteen-year-old Brian is traveling by small plane to join his Dad in Canada. The pilot has a heart attack, the plane crash lands, and Brian has to figure out how to survive in the wilderness using his brain and just one tool – a hatchet.

I daresay we’ve all imagined what it would be like to be stranded in the wilderness.  Even if we’ve never actually had to, we have vague notions about how to build shelter, start a fire, etc. Brian has to overcome fear and confusion to convert his own 13-year-old notions into action – and we are right there step by step as he ultimately succeeds!

Hatchet is perfect as a conversation starter.

Readers are captured by the problems Brain faces and his often imperfect solutions, and they share in his accomplishments. All these – problems, solutions, belief in oneself – could make for great conversations between your kids and you. If you are a skilled survivalist, you’ll be able to add many details to this basic story. (The author says he has experienced everything he wrote about  . . .) Even if you’re just a weekend camper, it will sound familiar and you may be inspired to learn more — and learn with your youngster!

Whether your kids or grandkids read the book themselves, or you read it to/with them, you’ll find it a solid and engaging adventure even though it is now over 30 years old!

P.S. If I were getting this book as a gift for an older child, I’d consider adding a real hatchet to the package, too! Just be sure to get a well designed tool. Cheap tools are always a disappointment and can be very dangerous. Here are a couple as examples. Click on the images to go directly to Amazon for current prices.

Eastwing manufactures a number of models. You’ve probably seen this popular one before. It’s the 12″ hatchet, one of the smaller and lighter models.

This axe, made by Schrade, is also a smaller size. It even has a fire-lighter rod built into the handle. (Brian of Hatchet sure could have used this! You’ll see why when you find out what he had to go through to get a fire started!)