Hatchet

Recently, my son had an assignment to read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  I have picked this Newbery Honor Medal book up dozens of times, yet never got around to reading it.  Well, don’t I feel silly for not having read it sooner. Hatchet is the powerful story of Brian Robeson, a thirteen-year-old boy stranded in the wilderness with nothing but a hatchet and the power of his thoughts.  He struggles to overcome his fears while at the same time becoming emotionally and physically stronger.  Brian’s appreciation for his surroundings grows as he realizes the many ways nature can help him survive.  This is a terrific book for a reluctant reader.  On the surface it is a tale of survival but a bit deeper is the realization that in growing up we lose something – an innocence that there is only one way to see things.

Find Hatchet by Gary Paulsen in our YA collection.

 

Barbara Loewengart
Reference and Adult Services