Hatchet

By Gary Paulsen

I was recommended this book quite a while back and it's been sitting on my 'to be read pile' for much of the year. I read Bear Gryll's book Way of the Wolf and was told that it had a similar senario. But, although I enjoyed Bear's story, I loved this Hatchet. It really got me thinking, it was a real page turner. And written for 9-11 year olds as well.

I've decided to use this book as my novel-study this term for a number of reasons:

• It was a real page turner with a relatable character for my students. 
• It fits in beautifully with the EOTC focus we have next term. 
• There is a study unit available on Teachers-pay-teachers. 
• There are a number of sequel novels Gary wrote. 
• There is a movie available based on the book.   

Synopsis

There was a wild crashing sound, a ripping of metal and the plane blew through the trees, and over the water and down, down to slam into the lake...
Brian is a city boy. Not used to living rough. Until his lane crash-lands in the Canadian wilderness.
All he has is a hatchet - and a desperate will to survive. Now Brian must learn to live the hard way - or die.

Author 

Gary James Paulsen (born May 17, 1939) is an American writer of young adult literature, best known for coming of age stories about the wilderness. He is the author of more than 200 books and has written 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. Wikipedia

 

Brian's Saga

Hatchet (1986)

The River (1991)

Brian's Winter (1996)

Brian's Return (1992)

Brian's Hunt (2003)

Other works

Dogsong (1985)

The Winter Room(1989)

Woodsong (1990)

Winterdance (1994)

Harris and Me (1993)

And more...

Study Unit

Hatchet Novel Study Unit: comprehension, vocabulary, activities, tests. This 133 page book study for Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen, contains comprehension by chapter, vocabulary challenges, creative reading response activities, projects, and tests
You will find this literature guide to be teacher and student friendly. It contains a wide variety of question types, along with open-ended graphic organizers and unique activities, all carefully crafted for this particular story. Focus standards include figurative language, character analysis, theme, plot, point of view and opinion writing.

This complete book unit requires very little preparation on your part. Included is a unit map that lays everything out for you. Perfect for whole class, small group, or independent study!

Movie tie-in

A Cry in the Wild: Based on the book "Hatchet" By Gary Paulson, 13 year old Brians Parents are divorced, and he heads to Canada to stay with his dad, but his pilot has a heart attack and crashes the plane. Brian now has to survive in the wilderness until he is rescued.