Hatchet. By Gary Paulsen. First Edition, First Printing. Bradbury Press. New York, 1987.

American author Gary Paulsen published numerous works of children’s and young adult fiction. He was primarily known for his narratives set in the wilderness. He had an incredible talent for blending coming-of-age stories with connections to nature. For his contributions, he received several Newbery honors and a Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association. Hatchet is his most celebrated work. It is the story of a young boy who finds himself stranded in the Canadian wilderness after a plane crash. Through ingenuity, perseverance, and some luck, he survives for over a month before being rescued. Hatchet has been assigned reading for decades. Critics, educators, and readers celebrate its succinct themes and characterization. It remains Paulsen’s best novel and a classic of young adult fiction. This first edition, first printing is in near-fine condition. In the original quarter cloth, fine. Text block fine. In the original dust jacket, near-fine with only minor rubbing and chipping to edges. A near-fine first edition of Hatchet. Scarce.