Hatchet

This was my favorite book as a child, rereading it at least once a year from age 10 until I was 21. I just read it for the first time as an adult, checking for problematic things I may have missed as a child, before recommending it to my 10 & 11 year old nieces. I still think it’s a really good book for kids to read, especially for children that are interested in nature and survival. It does talk about cheating and divorce, and Brian is very angry about it in the beginning, but grows and doesn’t seem to hold a grudge by the end. There is also the mention of suicide - Brian being depressed and trying to cut his wrists. This didn’t trigger me as a child, it was more a quick description of what most people in this situation would probably face at one point or another. It didn’t linger on it, a page worth of description, and then moves on to Brian being stronger and surviving. I would recommend this book to most kids 10+ years old.

Many sites says this book is for ages 11 to 13, but personally, I think that is still too young. Mom has an affair, thoughts of suicide and using God's name in vain is not for tweens, in my opinion. Plus, killing of animals can upset younger tweens too. I know this is 2016 and kids are exposed to more, but I stand by my opinion.