Hatchet
(Brian's Saga # 1)
by: Gary Paulsen
According to what I've read, many people find the book's concepts repulsive. Yes, the novel touches on the subject of infidelity. It does make reference to divorce. Yes, it makes reference to death. Regrettably, each fourth-grade classroom contains at least one child who is suffering from one or more of these issues. We all wish for our children to be free of depression and anxiety. Indeed, they do. S u i cide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Numerous children are the product of divorced parents. Children are also aware of cheating. You cannot blind them to specific regions of the earth. They will discover it if we attempt to conceal it. This is something we should debate. While some of the problems in this book are gloomy, it's an excellent opportunity to discuss them with your children. Refusing to discuss s u i cide with children would not prevent them from attempting it; rather, it will make them feel isolated and alone in their troubles. Pretending it isn't happening reduces children's willingness to speak up and express themselves. Refusing to discuss divorce does not prevent it. It will only serve to depress children of divorced parents. Even if your reason, "Well, I'm still married and have no intention of divorcing, therefore my child will be unaware or understand." Your youngster may have a friend, family member, or close cousin whose parents have divorced. Books are "too black" to be understandable. We require them more than ever because they assist children in comprehending these severe challenges. Hatchet is a literary classic. If you refuse to let your children read gloomy works, you are truly failing them. Personally, I regard it as instructional in the same way that the story "Of Mice and Men" is.
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