Hatchet

Reach for this book when your child is facing a major life transition, such as a divorce, and needs to see that they possess the inner resourcefulness to navigate a world that has suddenly changed. Hatchet follows thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, who must survive alone in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. While the survival elements are gripping, the heart of the story lies in Brian's emotional journey as he processes his parents' split and a painful secret he carries. It is an ideal choice for middle-schoolers (ages 10 to 14) because it validates their feelings of isolation while modeling a path toward self-reliance and resilience. Parents will appreciate how the story transforms a terrifying situation into a profound moment of personal growth and self-discovery.