Celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Newbery Honor–winning survival novel Hatchet with a pocket-sized edition perfect for travelers to take along on their own adventures. This special anniversary edition includes a new introduction and commentary by author Gary Paulsen, pen-and-ink illustrations by Drew Willis, and a water resistant cover. Hatchet has also been nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read. Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, haunted by his secret knowledge of his mother’s infidelity, is traveling by single-engine plane to visit his father for the first time since the divorce. When the plane crashes, killing the pilot, the sole survivor is Brian. He is alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present. At first consumed by despair and self-pity, Brian slowly learns survival skills—how to make a shelter for himself, how to hunt and fish and forage for food, how to make a fire—and even finds the courage to start over from scratch when a tornado ravages his campsite. When Brian is finally rescued after fifty-four days in the wild, he emerges from his ordeal with new patience and maturity, and a greater understanding of himself and his parents.
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About the author
Gary Paulsen
Author
Gary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.
Hatchet
by Gary Paulsen
Books Like Hatchet
If you're looking for books similar to Hatchet, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Martian
Andy Weir
An astronaut is stranded alone on Mars and must use his scientific knowledge and resourcefulness to survive. Similar to Hatchet, the novel focuses on a protagonist's survival skills and problem-solving abilities. The main character demonstrates remarkable resilience and ingenuity in facing extreme challenges. The story explores themes of human adaptability, survival, and personal determination. The book celebrates the power of human intelligence and perseverance.
The Call of the Wild
Jack London
A domesticated dog is thrust into the harsh Alaskan wilderness and must learn to survive. The novel shares Hatchet's themes of survival, adaptation, and the struggle against nature. The protagonist undergoes a transformative journey of learning and endurance. Like Brian, the main character must develop new skills and inner strength to overcome challenging environments. The book explores the primal instincts of survival and adaptation.
Robinson Crusoe
Daniel Defoe
A man is shipwrecked and must survive alone on a tropical island for years. Like Hatchet, the novel focuses on a protagonist's survival skills and personal transformation. The main character learns to adapt to his environment and overcome significant challenges. The story explores themes of human resilience, resourcefulness, and personal growth. The book is a classic tale of survival and human endurance.
My Side of the Mountain
Jean Craighead George
A young boy deliberately leaves civilization to live alone in the wilderness, learning survival techniques and self-reliance. Similar to Hatchet, the novel focuses on a young protagonist's journey of survival and personal growth. The main character builds his own shelter, finds food, and adapts to the natural world through determination and ingenuity. His experience highlights the transformative power of wilderness survival. The book celebrates human adaptability and connection with nature.
White Fang
Jack London
A wild wolf-dog hybrid learns to survive in the harsh Alaskan wilderness. The novel shares Hatchet's themes of survival, adaptation, and the struggle against nature. Like Brian, the protagonist must develop skills and resilience to overcome challenging environments. The story explores the primal instincts of survival and the complex relationship between humans and nature. The book highlights the importance of adaptability and inner strength.
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell
A young Native American girl survives alone on an island after her tribe is taken away. Like Brian in Hatchet, she must learn survival skills and overcome isolation in a harsh natural environment. The protagonist demonstrates remarkable resilience and resourcefulness in facing extreme challenges. Her story of survival and adaptation mirrors Brian's wilderness experience. The book explores themes of personal strength and human endurance against overwhelming odds.
Alive
Piers Paul Read
A true story of plane crash survivors in the Andes who must overcome extreme conditions to survive. Like Hatchet, the book explores themes of survival, adaptation, and human resilience. The protagonists must learn to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The story highlights the importance of teamwork, determination, and human endurance. The book provides a powerful account of survival against overwhelming odds.
Holes
Louis Sachar
A young boy is sent to a juvenile detention camp where he must dig holes in the desert as punishment. Like Brian, the protagonist faces significant personal challenges and must develop inner strength to survive. The story explores themes of resilience, friendship, and personal transformation. The protagonist learns valuable life lessons through adversity and demonstrates remarkable adaptability. The novel combines survival elements with a compelling personal journey.
Into the Wild
Jon Krakauer
A true story of a young man who leaves civilization to survive in the Alaskan wilderness. Similar to Hatchet, the book explores themes of wilderness survival and personal transformation. The protagonist seeks to challenge himself and understand his place in the world through a solitary wilderness experience. The story highlights the human desire for adventure and self-discovery. The book provides a thought-provoking exploration of survival and personal growth.
Touching Spirit Bear
Ben Mikaelsen
A troubled teenager is sent to a remote Alaskan wilderness as part of a Native American justice process. Similar to Hatchet, the novel focuses on survival, personal transformation, and confronting inner challenges. The protagonist must learn to survive in a harsh natural environment while also addressing his emotional and psychological struggles. The story explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and personal growth. The book highlights the transformative power of wilderness experience.
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