I only recently came across these American classics of children’s literature. The ultimate in survival stories, Gary Paulsen’s books have quite a following, and deservedly so. This is the first in the series, first published in 1989, and introduces us to Brian, the hero of the Hatchett stories. He is the sole passenger on a small plane flying to visit his father, when the Pilot has a heart attack and Brian finds himself in charge of the landing. This high – adrenaline opening to the book draws the reader in fast, and leaves us rooting for Brian as he finds ways to survive by the lake where he lands in the Canadian wilderness while he waits to be found. Tough and gritty, the book is gripping and we all read it in one sitting.