Hatchet

Paulsen, G. (1987). Hatchet. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Throughout the course of this class, I have read books I wouldn’t have normally chosen for myself. In the end, though, I have actually enjoyed them! This book is another example of one that I was reluctant to start reading. However, I chose it because my husband recommended it. (He saw it on the list from the syllabus.) Once I checked out the book, it looked vaguely familiar—likely because it’s a popular, well-known book. It has earned the Newberry Honor.

This book fits within the realistic fiction genre, because the events in the story are possible. At the same time, though, they are not extremely probable. The chances of surviving a plane crash are limited. Additionally, it is unlikely that any person could survive in nature for nearly two months with only a hatchet. However, Brian beat the odds and did just that. And to top it all off, he was rescued by a fur buyer who heard the emergency transmitter that Brian managed to get out of the plane that was submerged in the lake.

As described in the text, there are a variety of topics included within the genre of realistic fiction. One topic is adventure and survival (Brown, Tomlinson, & Short, 2011). This novel obviously fits within that category—as it is set in an isolated place with the protagonist (Brian) relying on his own skillfulness to survive. Thankfully, Brian was incredibly resourceful and used the things available to him to make a shelter, fire, a bow/arrow, and more.

Throughout the story, flashbacks are used—as Brian is thinking back on a “Secret.” Brian had seen his mother kissing another man while riding his bike. The memory consumes him periodically throughout the story, and he has to stop himself from continuing in that mindset. His father is unaware of this “Secret,” which upsets Brian deeply. But even when he is reunited with his father at the end of the story, he never finds the nerve to tell him the truth.

When reflecting on this story, I tried to put myself in Brian’s shoes. I asked myself this question: Would I have enough drive, strength, willpower, and skill to survive in similar circumstances? Although it’s sad to admit, I think the answer is no. I am quite a worrier and a “scaredy-cat,” so I think I would have had a heart attack or nervous breakdown. I’m not sure I would have even tried to land the plane in the first place. I think I would have closed my eyes as the plane was going down and prayed my heart out—literally letting “Jesus Take the Wheel” as Carrie Underwood sings in her song! Sometimes, that’s all we can do!

Although I am a kindergarten teacher, I can imagine that this book would be very appealing to students in intermediate grades. I’m not sure that I would require all my students to read it, but I think it’s one that is worthy of being introduced and described to students. I would likely share it in a booktalk, and then make it available to students. Any child who is interested in the book could then check it out from our classroom library.

I found it incredibly interesting how Brian referred to his old self in this book. At one point, he says, “That was the kind of thing I would have down before… When I came here—I would have done that. Not now. Not now…” (pg. 175). I think this in itself could facilitate meaningful conversation with students of this age. After all, adolescents are often experiencing physical, emotional, social, and even spiritual change. I would ask the following questions to guide conversation with students. 

1.     Do you think you could have survived in Brian’s shoes? Why or why not?

2.     Brian refers to his old self several times in this novel. His time in the wilderness forced him to change. He became more observant, independent, and resourceful.

·      Do you feel that you have an “old self”?

·      How have you changed over the years?

·      What caused this change in you?