1. Read Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. Compare Robinson and Brian in one or more of the following ways:

a. their responses to the environments that isolate them;
b. their creativity in utilizing available resources; and
c. their spiritual challenges.

2. The epilogue mentions that journalists were highly intrigued by Brian's ordeal after his return. Write a feature story about Brian for your local newspaper or a youth magazine like Boy's Life.

3. The search for Brian concludes after a month because he is presumed dead. Imagine you are his mother or father and maintain a diary of your feelings during the search.

4. Read an encyclopedia entry, a magazine article, or a government document on wilderness survival. Compare Brian's reactions and efforts with the recommendations of experts.

5. Paulsen has stated that "Achievements are nothing, but the journey is everything." Apply this idea to Brian's experience.

6. Read The River, the sequel to Hatchet. Report on the differences and similarities between Brian's new adventure and Hatchet.

7. Once Brian retrieves the transmitter from the submerged plane, his rescue occurs swiftly and the novel concludes shortly after. Look up the term "deus ex machina" in a literary dictionary or encyclopedia. Is the transmitter's role an example of a "deus ex machina"?

8. In his review of the novel, Tom Engelhardt writes that "Paulsen skirts close to basic screen horror." List the features of contemporary horror films popular with teenagers, and identify how many are present in Hatchet.

9. Read Paulsen's Harris and Me, which features protagonists having numerous adventures with farm animals. Compare their interactions with barnyard creatures to Brian's interactions with wilderness animals.