Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Slight Spoiler

[Katie_2000]

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a great book for kids ages 4th grade to 6th grade. It is a book about survival and hope. The main character Brian is in a plane crash and is left alone on an island in the middle of nowhere. Although the ending is quite predictable, Hatchet has a good plot and good theme for this age group. It introduces the more touchy subjects such as death, and divorce but still gives the reader the suspense and happy ending that most kids in this age group look for. Parents should know that although there are some touchy subjects, they are only introduced and if the child is from 4th to 6th grade the book should be just fine for them. Overall I really like this book for children starting to become more advanced in their reading.

[LivreAmour217]

I read this book when I was a pre-teen, and my son read it last in year in fourth grade. We both enjoyed it very much. I agree that it is a perfect book for older children who are transitioning to more advanced reading.

[GKCfan]

Other people have complained about the "predictable" ending. That's why Paulsen wrote sequels with alternative endings, where Brian was never rescued and had to survive in other ways.

[Lilapo9]

I read Hatchet back in March and found the thrill of his adventure a sweet memory of my own. The story was able to transport me back to a time when I was a child. I would spend my days playing in the woods near our home. Those were good memories.