Bibliographical information:
Paulsen, Gary. Hatchet. 1987. New York: Aladdin Ppaerbacks, 2006
Newberry Honor book
Brief summary:
Brian Robeson's parents have recently divorced, and he is on his way to visit his father when the pilot of the small plane he's riding has a heart attack. His anger at his mother must give way to the problems of survival, with which Brian copes matter-of-factly and competently.
Comments:
Paulsen says in his comments on the inside cover that "virtually everything that happens to Brian in the book has happened in one form or another to [him] jus tin the process of living." On the whole, this seems reasonably plausible--the events in the book seem unlikely but not impossible. The treatment of his anger at his mother is less fully developed, in part because it's displaced by his need to survive.
Grade/Age level:
The cover recommends ages 10-14.
Cautions:
This would not be the best choice for a plane trip or for those nervous about flying.
If you like this book, you might also like . . .
--Lisa Gordis
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