Reader reviewed by Dede

Hatchet is about a 13 year old boy named Brian.  He is flying to visit his father after his parents divorced and the pilot has a heart attack and they crash.  Brian must learn how to survive in the wilderness alone with nothing but the hatchet his mom gave him as a kind of novelty gift.  It is interesting to see how Brian matures in this book as he faces tough obstacles and deals with major let-downs.  There is not much more I can say about this book, it was a bit slow and boring at times, and I thought it could have done without the whole secret aspect - the big secret he was living with - as it didn't really have any effect on the story, in my opinion.  This is a good book for teens and is written very well. 

I think the book is ok, but i feel that some people will like it learning wise, not that much for like entertainment. I have a different understanding of this book, but it still is good.

Reader reviewed by Mart

This story is about a boy named Brian who survived in a plane crash.In the story, he is deserted with only a hatchet. He eats berrys, fish,and learns how to make sparks. If you like survival get this movie!!!! Happy reading!

Reader reviewed by Ryan

Alright, Hatchet, Hatchet, Hatchet, you got to love Hatchet. OK the story starts out he's in an airplane oh no what is going to happen next? OK, I will tell you one detail he has to survive by himself, that's right all by himself no pilot! Will he survive? You will have to read to find ou!

I recommend this book to everyone! It's a great reader! You don't want to put the book down! Read other books about Gary Paulsen, you will enjoy them! Read Hatchet!

I learned early on that the books required to read in school are not so bad. This was one of the first books I read for a class in middle school, and I loved it! It really is a book for everyone, because anyone can relate to the survival aspect of Hatchet. No matter the circumstance, we learn to survive and adapt to our surroundings.

Reader reviewed by Meeshee

Another old time childhood favorite. Hatchet is a "survival manual" to those who don't wish to venture out in the woods. This book is filled with adventure and the answer to how one might survive in the wilderness. Gary Paulsen has a wonderful way with words and I would gladly and highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a marvelous real life adventure.

This is the best book about surviving that I have read, it's on my top 5 list. My favorite part was him trying to survive, and my least favorite part was when and how he got rescued (very far-fetched). The only reason plat is at 4/5 is how he got rescued, I don't want to give away anymore though. Conclusion: great if ou like books about surviving/living off the land.

Reader reviewed by BKuGOTit

Hatchet is a great story of survival. The main character Brain is alone and stranded in the woods and doesn't know where he is. After surviving a plane crash Brian must fend for himself in the woods. He must learn to make and sustain a fire as well as learning how to capture, hunt and protect himself from animals. This will not be easy when Brian must go through problems such as trying to make weapons and getting through sickness. He also learns to make shelter. I reccomend this as a great survival book.

Reader reviewed by Raelyn

            Hatchet is the most exciting and thrilling book Ive ever read. It is about a boy who is thirteen and named Brian Robeson. He is going to visit his dad but his plane crashes, but before he got on the plane, his mom gave him a hatchet as a present. Later on it is his most pries position, it is what helps him with hunting and building. He is all alone out somewhere out in the wilderness. He has to survive animal attacks, starvation, and storms, hoping someone will rescue him.

The writer, Gary Paulsen, got his ideas from when he was a child he was fascinated by nature. My favorite line in the book is, he turned back to his campsite and looked to the wreckage. He had a lot to do, rebuild the shelter, get a new fire going find some food or get ready to find some food, make weapons-and he had to work slowly because his ribs hurt. It is based on realistic fiction, and is a really good book. I would recommend this book to every one nine and older. Some other books written by Gary Paulsen are Brains Winter, Brains Hunt, Dancing Carl, Dogsong, Sentries, and Tracker. Hatchet has also won the Newbery Honor Book Award. My brother and dad both read it and said it was one of the best books they have ever read, they didnt want to put it down and I am almost sure you wont either.

            I think every one should read this book, it is adventurous and mysterious. I liked it very muck and I think you will to.

Reader reviewed by Jacob

Brian is riding in a plane when the pilot has a heart attack. Brian flys the plane until he sees a lake; then he tries to land the plane. He ends up in the lake and swims up to shore. He finds a place for a shelter and makes one after he discovers he still has his hatchet. He finds berries to eat and finally perfected his fishing arrow. Later there is a tornado and part of the plane is sticking out of the water. He makes a raft and gets out to the plane, and after several tries he gets the emergancy kit. He gets an emergancy transmitter and turns it on, but nothing happens. He leaves it on and a passing plane gets it.The plane comes and rescues him.

I think if someone read this book and wanted to read more like it they should read Big Red, Irish Red, and Where the Red Fern Grows.

I loved this book because the autor clearly explains things an events so they can be easily understood. I liked how the author, Gary Paulson, really showed Brians personallity.

If you like wilderness books I reccomend this book for you.