Hatchet
The Call
by Gary Paulsen
Macmillan Children's Books 1999
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- self-discovery
- nature’s call
- resilience
- identity
- healing
- independence
- adaptation
About this book
After surviving alone in the wilderness, Brian finds that city life no longer fits. Restless and unsettled, he heads back to the North Woods to reconnect with the place that changed him. Readers follow Brian’s quiet, thoughtful journey as he listens to the wild and to himself. Perfect for middle-grade adventurers who enjoy survival stories and reflective, nature-rich writing.
Setting: the North Woods of Canada and a contemporary small town
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hatchet right for my child?
Yes — Hatchet is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include survival, self-discovery, nature’s call.
How long does it take to read Hatchet?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Hatchet takes around 2.0h to finish. The book has 20,140 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hatchet have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hatchet has an AR quiz available, worth 3 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hatchet?
Hatchet has an AR reading level of 5, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.