Books like Hatchet

Call It Courage
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Swiss Family Robinson
Robinson Crusoe
Julie and the Wolves

I distinctly remember my teacher reading Call It Courage to my class when I was about that age, so I think it might be what you’re looking for. All of these, I read so long ago that I don’t remember details and advise you to proceed with caution.

I haven’t read Hatchet, but it looks like it’s part of a series.

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12/06/2022 10:19

Subject: Books like Hatchet

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Anonymous

I was also a kid who loved Hatchet! I remember Island of the Blue Dolphins scratching a similar itch, and don't overlook all of Gary Paulsen's other books. I loved his non-fiction about the Iditarod, Woodsong and Winter dance, and there's more Brian books after Hatchet; the River was published when I was a kid, and there's three more now I guess.

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12/06/2022 10:36

Subject: Books like Hatchet

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Anonymous

My Side of the Mountain (I know it's already by recommended but I loved it at that age)

Call of the Wild by Jack London

The Music of the Dolphins by Karen Hesse

All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat (nonfiction; have not read it but it looks good and in line with this list)

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls (maybe check spoilers to see if it's appropriate for your kid)

Rocket Boys/October Sky by Homer Hickam Jr. (not quite the wilderness survival but scrappy kids doing cool things against the odds)

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12/06/2022 10:53

Subject: Books like Hatchet

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Anonymous

The Cay

The Black Stallion

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12/06/2022 10:59

Subject: Books like Hatchet

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Anonymous

The story of Shakleton and The Endurance is a great one - I think there are versions for that age reader.

Also the "I survived..." series is fun.