#1 in Brian's Saga Series
Hatchet
on Goodreads (1,263)
What’s inside...
Hatchet is a story about a 13-year-old boy named Brian who survives a plane crash and has to learn to survive alone in the Canadian wilderness with only a hatchet. Through his journey, Brian learns important lessons about patience, planning and survival.
Discussion points
How do you think Brian felt when he was alone in the wilderness? What would you have done in his situation?
What are some of the important survival skills Brian learned? Which skills do you think are most valuable?
How does Brian's relationship with nature change throughout the story?
What role does hope play in Brian's survival? Can you think of a time when hope helped you overcome a challenge?
If Brian had one message to share about his experience, what do you think it would be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Brian's situations, enhancing their ability to connect personally with the character.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience as highlighted in the book, relating it to obstacles they might face in their own lives.
Explore the concept of growth through adversity, asking your child how they believe Brian changed from the beginning to the end of the book.
Utilize the natural setting of the book to talk about the environment and the importance of nature in our lives.
Celebrate Brian's innovative problem-solving skills and ask your child to think about times they had to come up with creative solutions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Brian, demonstrates resilience as he learns to survive alone in the wilderness after a plane crash.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome obstacles and adversity in their own lives, fostering a can-do attitude and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Brian relies on his own skills and intelligence to find food, build shelter, and stay safe.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of independence and trusting in their own abilities to solve problems.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness
Explanation: Brian uses his ingenuity to turn his limited resources into tools and solutions that aid in his survival.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to use what they have at hand creatively to navigate challenges in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: As Brian spends time in the wilderness, he develops a profound respect and appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and protect the environment, promoting eco-conscious behaviors.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book is filled with instances where Brian must analyze situations and think critically to make life-saving decisions.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of problem-solving skills, helping children approach dilemmas thoughtfully and logically in real life.