Hatchet by Gary Paulson reviewed by Mr. McDonnell

A Newberry Winner
13 year old Brian's parents have just divorced and summer break has started. Brian flies in a small Cesna airplane from his mom's home in upstate NY to fly north into Canada to visit his dad for the summer. Proud of his brand new hatchet, a birthday gift, Brian straps it to his belt. In the air, the pilot has a heart attack. Brian safely lands the plane in a lake and swims to shore. But now he is alone in the wilderness. No one knows where he is and he doesn't know where he is either. All safety materials, including food, a radio and first aid kit are at the bottom of the lake in the plane. All Brian has to survive- to get food, fire and shelter are his hatchet and his wits.

This book is awesome. If you love adventure, nature, or books about human perseverance, you will love this book. The survival skills Brian learns by trial and error seem very realistic. Try this book, you won't be disappointed.