Adventure · Young adult
Hatchet
Thirteen-year-old Brian is the only passenger on a small plane when the pilot has a heart attack over the Canadian wilderness. After a crash landing in a lake, all he has is a hatchet.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1986
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 193
- Format
- Book 1 of 5 in Brian's Saga
Read this if you want a gripping, practical survival story that you can finish in an afternoon.
Skip this if you want romance, humour or a big cast of characters.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Hatchet
- What is Hatchet about?
- Thirteen-year-old Brian is the only passenger on a small plane when the pilot has a heart attack over the Canadian wilderness. After a crash landing in a lake, all he has is a hatchet.
- Who should read Hatchet?
- Read it if you want a gripping, practical survival story that you can finish in an afternoon. Skip it if you want romance, humour or a big cast of characters.
- How long and how fast is Hatchet?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 193 pages, first published in 1986.
- Does Hatchet have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death.
- Can I borrow Hatchet for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Hatchet; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Hatchet?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Life of Pi, Robinson Crusoe, Holes.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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