Hatchet (Brian’s Saga, #1)
by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen holds a well received rating of 3.68 out of 5, based on 222.6K reader ratings. First published in 1986. The book spans 208 pages.
About Hatchet
Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake--and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure. Brian had been distraught over his parents' impending divorce and the secret he carries about his mother, but now he is truly desolate and alone. Exhausted, terrified, and hungry, Brian struggles to find food and make a shelter for himself. He has no special knowledge of the woods, and he must find a new kind of awareness and patience as he meets each day's challenges. Is the water safe to drink? Are the berries he finds poisonous? Slowly, Brian learns to turn adversity to his advantage--an invading porcupine unexpectedly shows him how to make fire, a devastating tornado shows him how to retrieve supplies from the submerged airplane. Most of all, Brian leaves behind the self-pity he has felt about his predicament as he summons the courage to stay alive. A story of survival and of transformation, this riveting book has sparked many a reader's interest in venturing into the wild.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Gary Paulsen |
| Published | 1986 |
| Pages | 208 |
| Genres | Young Adult, Fiction, Classics |
| Average Rating | 3.68 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 222,553 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Hatchet?
Hatchet is categorized as Young Adult, Fiction, Classics. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is Hatchet worth reading?
Based on 222.6K reader ratings, Hatchet has an average score of 3.68 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Hatchet?
Hatchet has 208 pages.
Who wrote Hatchet?
Hatchet was written by Gary Paulsen. It was first published in 1986.
What is the ISBN for Hatchet?
The ISBN-13 for Hatchet is 9780689840920.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
