Hatchet Bind-up
#1 of 5 in Brian's Saga Series
on Goodreads (1,269)
What’s inside...
The 'Hatchet Bind-up' book by Gary Paulsen is a collection of novels centered around the young protagonist, Brian Robeson, who finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. The original 'Hatchet' novel details Brian's survival journey as he learns to fend for himself, facing challenges such as finding food, building shelter, and dealing with the psychological toll of isolation. Throughout the series, Brian uses a hatchet, a gift from his mother, as his primary survival tool. The bind-up may include sequels like 'The River,' 'Brian's Winter,' 'Brian's Return,' and 'Brian's Hunt,' which further explore Brian's adventures and his relationship with nature. These stories are a testament to human resilience, the importance of self-reliance, and the transformative power of nature.
Character compass
Brian Robeson
Derek Holtzer
Discussion points
How do you think Brian felt when he was alone in the wilderness? What would you feel in his situation?
What are some of the most important survival skills Brian learned? Why are they valuable?
How do Brian's relationships with his family and memories of them influence his actions and survival?
How does the environment challenge Brian, and what does he learn about nature throughout his journey?
If you were in Brian's situation, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Brian’s adventures and the challenges he faced to open a comfortable dialogue.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Brian’s shoes, which can lead to deeper understanding and connection to the character.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness, highlighting how these qualities helped Brian survive and how they can be applied in everyday life.
Ask your child about the lessons they can learn from Brian’s experiences and how they could use this knowledge in their own life.
Highlight the transformation of Brian from the start to the end of the book, discussing the growth in his character and the skills he gained.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: The protagonist, Brian, finds himself alone in the wilderness and learns to rely on his instincts and abilities to survive.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing confidence in their own abilities to handle new and challenging situations, fostering independence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Brian faces numerous obstacles and setbacks, yet he continues to persevere and adapt to his environment.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in the face of difficulties, helping them to overcome personal challenges and setbacks.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Brian uses critical thinking and creativity to solve problems that arise during his time in the wilderness, from finding food to building shelter.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems, useful in school projects or everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: Living in the wilderness, Brian develops a profound connection and respect for nature and its elements.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and care for the environment, promoting activities like recycling and conservation at a young age.
Example Lesson: Emotional growth
Explanation: Brian’s isolation and experiences lead to significant emotional and psychological growth, showing his journey from dependency to maturity.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of personal development and emotional maturity, facilitating empathy and self-awareness.