Guts

Guts: The True Stories Behind "Hatchet" and the Brian Books

by Gary Paulsen (2002)

Paulsen's childhood and adult adventures in the wilderness, focused mainly on hunting and flying; interesting, and good for students to see how real (and dangerous) some seemingly fun "adventures" can be, and also to point how important it can be to "write what you know" -- inspiration for those that can't think of anything to write...

Possible compare/contrast the true accounts and the fictionalized versions from his books.

While reading it, I did feel a little guilty whining when our temps here dropped below 60... brrrrr!

Brian's Winter

Brian's Winter

by Gary Paulsen (1996)

The hero of Hatchet gets a re-imagined adventure of not being rescued before winter... mostly deals with hunting, the cold, and survival techniques, but doesn't go very deep and personal as in the previous book. The ending seems quickly added once a certain number of were hit.

Hatchet

Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen (1987) -- Newbery Honor

A tale of survival, a boy becoming a man by battling wildlife, the elements, and his own fears... fast-paced, exciting, interesting details... strange little extra on the divorced parents plotline involving catching mom having an affair...

connections: The Cay, Call It Courage