You, male and female with be completely engaged in this intense tale of survival. I just bet you will read most of the book in one day. As I got over half way, I just could not put it down. Brian is a city kid who somehow survives an airplane crash in the wilderness. Now he has to use his wits to survive with the only possession he has, a hatchet. He figures out how to make fire with the hatchet and makes himself eat whatever food he can find, such as turtle eggs, fish, berries, fruit,rabbits, and birds. He deals with some animals like a porcupine, bear, skunk, moose and eventually becomes a good craftsman, crafting a Bow and arrow,arrows, and a fishing spear. He also fashions a shelter out of the underside of a rock overhang. During his time alone, Brian struggles with memories of home, and the bittersweet memory of his mother, who Brian caught cheating on his father with someone else.

As you probably guess, Brian does survive, but read the book to find out his miraculous journey. ( )

3.5 stars, really. I never read this in school as a child, like most people do. After finally getting around to reading it I'm sad I missed out; I think I would have found it absolutely enthralling as a child. A good coming of age story; opens a way to talk to children about the importance of hard work and bravery and tenacity. A great book for young boys, which can be hard to find sometimes. ( )

I don't remember reading this as a kid but since it is required reading for most elementary students I thought I'd give it a try. Not bad. A little bleak but an adventure story that might appeal to the boys. ( )

Brian is stranded, stranded with only a hatchet. On his way up to Canada from New York, Brian's pilot has a heart attack and Brian is left to fend for himself. While being in the woods, Brian learns many things, not just about the wilderness but also about himself. These things are lessons that he will take with him for the rest of his life.

I would definitely recommend this one to a young boy. I'm not sure that I would personally read the rest of them in the series. ( )

A teenager is stranded in the wilderness with nothing but a hatchet. Does he survive the book--and if so, how? ( )