In the realm of young adult adventure novels, few books capture the raw essence of survival and self-discovery quite like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. The gripping tale of a young boy stranded in the wilderness has inspired countless readers and left them yearning for more stories that blend nature, adventure, and personal growth. If you loved Hatchet and are on the lookout for similar reads, here are 17 books that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Books Similar to Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
1. My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
My Side of the Mountain follows the story of Sam Gribley, a young boy who decides to leave the hustle and bustle of New York City to live in the Catskill Mountains. Armed with only a few supplies and his determination, Sam learns to survive in the wilderness. This classic novel is a beautiful exploration of independence and the bond between humans and nature.
2. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell
In Island of the Blue Dolphins, Karana, a young Native American girl, is stranded on an island off the California coast. Over the years, she learns to fend for herself, battling loneliness and the elements. This poignant tale of survival and resilience is a must-read for fans of Hatchet.
3. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
Julie of the Wolves tells the story of Miyax (Julie), a young Eskimo girl who runs away from home and survives in the Alaskan wilderness with the help of a wolf pack. The novel beautifully captures the struggle between traditional ways and modern life, making it a compelling read for adventure enthusiasts.
4. The Cay by Theodore Taylor
The Cay is an inspiring story about Phillip, a young boy who becomes stranded on a deserted island with an elderly West Indian man named Timothy. Through their journey, Phillip learns valuable lessons about friendship, survival, and overcoming prejudice. This novel is a touching and thrilling adventure.
5. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
In The Sign of the Beaver, Matt, a young boy left alone in the wilderness, befriends a Native American boy named Attean. As they teach each other survival skills, they form a deep bond. This novel is a heartfelt story of friendship and cultural exchange.
6. Hatchet: The Return by Gary Paulsen
Hatchet: The Return is the sequel to Hatchet, where Brian Robeson returns to the wilderness to confront his fears and rediscover the lessons he learned during his first ordeal. This continuation of Brian’s story is equally gripping and insightful.
7. Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen
Touching Spirit Bear follows the journey of Cole Matthews, a troubled teen who is sent to a remote Alaskan island as part of a rehabilitation program. Through his encounters with a mystical bear, Cole learns about healing and forgiveness. This powerful novel is a testament to the transformative power of nature.
8. The River by Gary Paulsen
In The River, Brian Robeson is asked to return to the wilderness to teach survival techniques. Accompanied by a psychologist, their journey takes an unexpected turn, forcing Brian to once again rely on his survival skills. This sequel to Hatchet is an exhilarating read that delves deeper into Brian’s character.
9. Woodsong by Gary Paulsen
Woodsong is a memoir by Gary Paulsen that recounts his experiences with dog sledding in the Alaskan wilderness. Through a series of vignettes, Paulsen shares his adventures and the lessons he learned from nature. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the author’s life and the wild landscapes he loves.
10. Brian’s Winter by Gary Paulsen
Brian’s Winter imagines an alternative ending to Hatchet, where Brian must survive the harsh winter in the wilderness. This novel explores the challenges of winter survival and showcases Brian’s ingenuity and resilience. It’s a captivating read for those who wondered what would have happened if Brian hadn’t been rescued.
11. The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
In The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, a young girl named Trisha becomes lost in the woods while on a hike with her family. As she struggles to find her way back, she draws strength from her imaginary conversations with her baseball hero, Tom Gordon. This psychological thriller blends survival with supernatural elements, making it a unique and gripping read.
12. Far North by Will Hobbs
Far North follows the story of Gabe and his friend Raymond, who are stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Together, they must navigate the dangers of the wild and find a way to survive. This thrilling adventure novel is a testament to friendship and the human spirit.
13. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
The Call of the Wild is a classic novel that tells the story of Buck, a domesticated dog who is thrust into the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness. Through his journey, Buck discovers his primal instincts and the call of the wild. This timeless tale is a must-read for adventure lovers.
14. The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
The Incredible Journey follows the adventures of three pets—a Labrador Retriever, a Bull Terrier, and a Siamese cat—as they travel through the Canadian wilderness to find their owners. This heartwarming story of loyalty and perseverance is perfect for readers who love animal adventures.
15. Holes by Louis Sachar
In Holes, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a boys’ detention center where he is forced to dig holes in the desert as part of his punishment. As he uncovers the truth behind the digging, Stanley learns about friendship, fate, and redemption. This novel is a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and humor.
16. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel that follows Katniss Everdeen as she competes in a televised fight to the death. Set in a future world, the story explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and rebellion. This action-packed novel is a gripping read for fans of intense adventure.
17. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
The Maze Runner follows the story of Thomas, who wakes up in a mysterious maze with no memory of his past. Along with other boys, he must navigate the maze’s dangers and uncover its secrets. This fast-paced novel is filled with suspense and intrigue, making it a thrilling read for adventure enthusiasts.