Hatchet By Gary Paulsen Recommendation 7 and up I would rate the novel Hatchet by Gary Paulsen a 5/5 because it's just such an interesting book with all the action and drama and surprises around every corner. I personally think that Hatchet is a great adventure novel and I'm going to tell you a bit of what happens in this book.This book is based on a very likable kid named Brian who is going to see his father in Canada. But something unexpected happens. The pilot has a heart attack. Brian does all he can to keep the plane in the air. It crashes in the water by a far away woods. The pilot drowns and Brian almost does too. Now it's Brian's goal to get food, make a shelter, and try to survive. Read this book as soon as you can!!!