Hatchet
Brian, a thirteen-year-old boy, was on his way to visit his father for the summer when his pilot suffered a heart attacked and died. Brian crash landed into the lake in a forest. He must learn to survive on his own with nothing but a hatchet given to him by his mother before he left. The book keeps readers wanting more with the suspenseful plot and twists.
Because this book is aimed for upper elementary students, I would focus on the plot pyramid with this book as well as problems and solutions. I would also let students journal about what they would do if they were in Brian's shoes and have the students share their thoughts.
AR Level: 5.7
