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Brian's Saga #3
Brian's Winter
In the Newbery Honor-winning Hatchet, thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson learned to survive alone in the Canadian wilderness, armed only with his hatchet. Finally, as millions of readers know, he was rescued at the end of the summer. But what if he had been left to face his deadliest enemy—winter?
Gray Paulsen raises the stakes for survival in this riveting and inspiring story as one boy confronts the ultimate test and the ultimate adventure.
Gray Paulsen raises the stakes for survival in this riveting and inspiring story as one boy confronts the ultimate test and the ultimate adventure.
133 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
1910 people are currently reading
11646 people want to read
About the author
Gary Paulsen
408 books3,977 followersGary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,239 reviews
May 10, 2020
more survivals for me! this book wasn't as fun as the first one - the book seemed less immediate than hatchet. maybe because of the way it was presented; as a "what if", rather than a regular story, the stakes seem lower, even though it is exactly the same. it's more like a writer's exercise than a proper story. or maybe i am reading too many woodsy type books too closely together. i will pause now and get on with my summer of classix. teeny books, get thee behind me!
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August 10, 2024
Loved this sequel more than the one before this one. A great story that kept me wondering how this would end for Brian. Nice touch about the skunk, I really had to laugh about it. Easy read and I hope to read book 4 soon! Great series for youngsters and people who like adventure.
February 2, 2024
Brian’s Winter explores the possible story of what may have happened if Brian had not been rescued before winter arrived in Hatchet. It’s the 3rd book of the Brian’s Saga series. I am continuing my husband’s legacy by finishing the series for him. Two more books to go!
My Rating:
3.5 stars ☆☆☆.5 (rounded up)
| Winter ( / win-ter / ) – the cold season between autumn and spring in northern latitudes (in the Northern Hemisphere from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox; in the Southern Hemisphere from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox) |
Brian has confronted hunger, bears, wolves, and faced traumatic experiences. He has learned the ways of survival and how to tune into nature. However, this time, he has missed the most important warning of all!
Winter is coming.
Not even the infamous Starks from Games of Thrones whispered, “Winter is coming” to warn him. (Yes, I may be binge watching Game of Thrones right now!)
Now I’m a HUGE fan of survival stories. Give me the nitty-gritty, suffering, look away, violent, gut-wrenching, terrifying, starvation, struggling, desperation kind of detailed stories, and I won’t flinch or run away. I want to know it all. So naturally, this story was slightly underwhelming, especially after losing the surprises Hatchet entailed. It was much too easily handled and far-fetched for my liking. There was an exciting bear encounter, but even that wasn’t something to write home about. Sigh.
Things I Learned Anyway:
1) Frozen trees explode!
2) Betty the skunk was the BEST part of the story! She legit saved the day!
3) Killing animals to survive has to be one of the hardest things to do.
4) Contradicting #3 slightly when I say this but – moose stew sounds delicious!
“The wolves were just being natural and he understood the need to kill—he would himself die if he did not kill.”
Round of applause – Another 2024 Monster Mash Challenge met
|The Mummy Category|
◇ Read a book that has snow or ice somehow involved in the story. ✔️
My Rating:
3.5 stars ☆☆☆.5 (rounded up)
| Winter ( / win-ter / ) – the cold season between autumn and spring in northern latitudes (in the Northern Hemisphere from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox; in the Southern Hemisphere from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox) |
Brian has confronted hunger, bears, wolves, and faced traumatic experiences. He has learned the ways of survival and how to tune into nature. However, this time, he has missed the most important warning of all!
Winter is coming.
Not even the infamous Starks from Games of Thrones whispered, “Winter is coming” to warn him. (Yes, I may be binge watching Game of Thrones right now!)
Now I’m a HUGE fan of survival stories. Give me the nitty-gritty, suffering, look away, violent, gut-wrenching, terrifying, starvation, struggling, desperation kind of detailed stories, and I won’t flinch or run away. I want to know it all. So naturally, this story was slightly underwhelming, especially after losing the surprises Hatchet entailed. It was much too easily handled and far-fetched for my liking. There was an exciting bear encounter, but even that wasn’t something to write home about. Sigh.
Things I Learned Anyway:
1) Frozen trees explode!
2) Betty the skunk was the BEST part of the story! She legit saved the day!
3) Killing animals to survive has to be one of the hardest things to do.
4) Contradicting #3 slightly when I say this but – moose stew sounds delicious!
“The wolves were just being natural and he understood the need to kill—he would himself die if he did not kill.”
Round of applause – Another 2024 Monster Mash Challenge met
|The Mummy Category|
◇ Read a book that has snow or ice somehow involved in the story. ✔️
July 5, 2017
Until last month, I didn’t even realize that Hatchet had a sequel. Turns out, it has four. How did I not know this?! I skipped over The River, the first sequel, for the time being, as it seemed like a repeat of the first but with an audience. Although I have to confess, I’ll probably be reading it sooner rather than later. But I was intrigued by the synopsis of Brian’s Winter. What if Brian hadn’t been rescued, and had to ride out the winter in the Canadian wilderness? Would he survive?
Spoiler-alert: he survives! And with a lot less angst than was present in Hatchet. By this point, he’s come to terms with his new life and is actually flourishing on his own in the wild. He learns to hunt big game and store meat and make clothes. The first book was emotional. This follow-up “what if?” book was a lot more fun because Brian seemed so happy!
Seeing how someone survives and adapts is always incredibly interesting to me. And what I really love about these books is that they’re not romanticized. Things don’t just fall in Brian’s lap. And he wouldn’t be as happy if they did. The sense of fulfillment and self-satisfaction that floods him whenever he succeeds at something drives him almost as much as his need to survive.
I think every kid should read these books, not only so they have a greater appreciation of what they have, but so they can see the beauty and harshness of nature. Every child should be able to fantasize about surviving on their own, and these books add a touch of realism to that fantasy. And honestly, it wouldn’t hurt adults to read or reread these books, either. Sometimes we need to be reminded what a child can accomplish, and to remember that a child still resides at the center of each of us.
For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.
Spoiler-alert: he survives! And with a lot less angst than was present in Hatchet. By this point, he’s come to terms with his new life and is actually flourishing on his own in the wild. He learns to hunt big game and store meat and make clothes. The first book was emotional. This follow-up “what if?” book was a lot more fun because Brian seemed so happy!
Seeing how someone survives and adapts is always incredibly interesting to me. And what I really love about these books is that they’re not romanticized. Things don’t just fall in Brian’s lap. And he wouldn’t be as happy if they did. The sense of fulfillment and self-satisfaction that floods him whenever he succeeds at something drives him almost as much as his need to survive.
I think every kid should read these books, not only so they have a greater appreciation of what they have, but so they can see the beauty and harshness of nature. Every child should be able to fantasize about surviving on their own, and these books add a touch of realism to that fantasy. And honestly, it wouldn’t hurt adults to read or reread these books, either. Sometimes we need to be reminded what a child can accomplish, and to remember that a child still resides at the center of each of us.
For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.
October 15, 2017
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book more than the first. As I read, I realized that most of what bugged me in Hatchet was Brian himself. His emotional outbursts and the way he thought about his parents made him seem a few years younger than thirteen, and it bothered me the whole time. But this book is all about survival. A problem arises, and Brian solves it. As long as you can get past the fact that this is a “what if” book (but really, all fiction is a big “what if” anyway), this is a great sequel to Hatchet.
I enjoyed this book more than the first. As I read, I realized that most of what bugged me in Hatchet was Brian himself. His emotional outbursts and the way he thought about his parents made him seem a few years younger than thirteen, and it bothered me the whole time. But this book is all about survival. A problem arises, and Brian solves it. As long as you can get past the fact that this is a “what if” book (but really, all fiction is a big “what if” anyway), this is a great sequel to Hatchet.
November 8, 2021
Being Alone in the middle of nowhere isn’t very fun, but being cold and alone takes it to a whole other level; just ask Brian Robeson.
“Brian’s Winter” is a continuation of Gary Paulsen’s book “Hatchet”. Actually it is a reimagining of what would have happened to Brian Robeson if he wasn’t rescued and had to get through the cold Northern Canada winter alone. Brian almost misses the signs that winter is coming, but when he finally gets it he realizes that he has a lot of work to do. There are many things that he will have to learn to do for himself, but the biggest of these is figuring out how to stay warm and how to find food when the temperatures dip well below 0°. Can he figure out how to do these things before it is too late?
I really loved this book because it went right where my mind went as I read the first book, “Hatchet”. I couldn’t imagine how Brian could survive the winter at the pace he was going. Admittedly I do find it a little farfetched that Brian learns to do all of the things that he has to do so quickly, but it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. And I appreciate that Paulsen broaches the subject of hunting and taking a life with a little more depth and thought than he did in the first book. I personally think it is okay to hunt for food, especially when it is necessary for survival. But I like the fact that Brian doesn’t find it any easier to do just because he needs the food. The topic of hunting and animal rights is always relevant, to some degree, and I think Paulsen handled it nicely here.
I recommend this book for all but the most squeamish readers, (he does have to clean the animals he kills). It would definitely be a great read for the outdoor enthusiast, and it would make a good fiction connection for some science and language arts classes.
“Brian’s Winter” is a continuation of Gary Paulsen’s book “Hatchet”. Actually it is a reimagining of what would have happened to Brian Robeson if he wasn’t rescued and had to get through the cold Northern Canada winter alone. Brian almost misses the signs that winter is coming, but when he finally gets it he realizes that he has a lot of work to do. There are many things that he will have to learn to do for himself, but the biggest of these is figuring out how to stay warm and how to find food when the temperatures dip well below 0°. Can he figure out how to do these things before it is too late?
I really loved this book because it went right where my mind went as I read the first book, “Hatchet”. I couldn’t imagine how Brian could survive the winter at the pace he was going. Admittedly I do find it a little farfetched that Brian learns to do all of the things that he has to do so quickly, but it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility. And I appreciate that Paulsen broaches the subject of hunting and taking a life with a little more depth and thought than he did in the first book. I personally think it is okay to hunt for food, especially when it is necessary for survival. But I like the fact that Brian doesn’t find it any easier to do just because he needs the food. The topic of hunting and animal rights is always relevant, to some degree, and I think Paulsen handled it nicely here.
I recommend this book for all but the most squeamish readers, (he does have to clean the animals he kills). It would definitely be a great read for the outdoor enthusiast, and it would make a good fiction connection for some science and language arts classes.
January 9, 2018
This book is totally not good. Like it's bad. Real bad. If you like romantic comedies, then don't read it. It's about a man and then the man totally dies. If there was a way to give it a zero then I would. Nasty. What an ugly book. What a sorry excuse for a use of my time. Waste. Heartbreak. That's all this book will bring you.
February 7, 2012
"Brian's Winter" by Gary Paulsen picks up where the character Brian left off, had he not been rescued. In his foreward, Paulsen said that he received "as many as 200 letters a day" from readers saying that they felt that Brian's story was not finished, that he was rescued before things got really tough. In order to read this novel, you have to read it with the pretense that when he retrieved the survival pack from the plane, he did not turn on the radio signal. With winter on the horizon, Brian's real struggles were supposed to begin.
Yet this was the major flaw in the plot. All struggles were easily solved with little to no barriers. Brian's experience in the frigid Canadian Winter paled in comparison to what a real 13 year old would have experienced had they had been in Brian's shoes. Paulsen also failed to carry forth many of the themes from the Hatchet, such as "The Secret" and how the death of the Pilot haunted him. Paulsen had tried to give his readers what they wanted, Brian's struggle to survive in the Canadian Winter, but instead, he had given them much of what they wanted less of; easy fixes and luck.
Brian never struggled in the winter, he never went hungry, got severely injured that greatly hindered his survival, and never even so much as got frost bite, despite having little to no clothing. Hatchet was by far the better of the two and Brian's story should have left off there.
Yet this was the major flaw in the plot. All struggles were easily solved with little to no barriers. Brian's experience in the frigid Canadian Winter paled in comparison to what a real 13 year old would have experienced had they had been in Brian's shoes. Paulsen also failed to carry forth many of the themes from the Hatchet, such as "The Secret" and how the death of the Pilot haunted him. Paulsen had tried to give his readers what they wanted, Brian's struggle to survive in the Canadian Winter, but instead, he had given them much of what they wanted less of; easy fixes and luck.
Brian never struggled in the winter, he never went hungry, got severely injured that greatly hindered his survival, and never even so much as got frost bite, despite having little to no clothing. Hatchet was by far the better of the two and Brian's story should have left off there.
March 5, 2009
Again, I review that I love these books, not only am I a Gary Paulsen Fan, but I also like survival books; and if you like survival this book is not for you. The book takes you back to the spot where we left Brian, the Canadian Wilderness. This time instead of setting the radio transmitter of Gary Paulsen writes about a diffrent ending to the book Hatchet. Brian finds the survival kit and continues to hunt for small game and "fowl bird" as he calls it. Brian knows that the seasons are coming and he must prepare for winter. Brian also feels that he has "gone soft" due to the fact that he has used the rifle to his advantage, and eaten all the dry meals. Then, soon Brian realizes that he must Make weapons and snow material if he wants to survive the winter. This book soon goes into an exiteing twists and turns, but I am not going to give any spoilers away on what happens to him. After this Book there is the following Sequalls Brians Return and Brians Hunt. Mrs. Spratt I hope you didn't think this book was at a middle shcool level because i surely enjoyed. These are my favorite types of books.
October 24, 2022
“Wonderful. I have a roommate with a terminal hygiene problem.”
This installment in the Hatchet series is something of a supposal. According to the intro that Paulsen wrote to Brian’s Winter, he received many letters from fans who felt like Hatchet ended too quickly—who felt that Brian got rescued just when he was about to face his most daunting obstacle yet: winter. So he decided to write a sequel that established an alternate timeline so to speak, a timeline that eliminates both the tail end of Hatchet where Brian gets rescued and the entirety of The River. If I’m not mistaken, (which I very well could be) I believe that books four and five of the series operate according to this newly established timeline.
Since The River has been my favorite installment of the series thus far, I was slightly disappointed to find its existence eradicated from this new timeline—but Brian’s Winter was still worth the read. (Although I must say that I find the idea of multiple timelines in a realistic series compelling.)
Much like Hatchet, Brian’s Winter is another straight-up survival narrative with very little else going on—but the stakes are raised considerably. Thus, I think that I liked it a bit more than book 1. We get to see Brian hunting moose and deer, as he is forced to face the elements and become more and more of a hardcore survivalist. Perhaps the highlight of the series for me, though, would be Betty, Brian’s “pet” skunk that continually threatens to spray him if he does not give her food. I just found that aspect of the book hilarious.
If you liked Hatchet, then you will definitely like this one!
This installment in the Hatchet series is something of a supposal. According to the intro that Paulsen wrote to Brian’s Winter, he received many letters from fans who felt like Hatchet ended too quickly—who felt that Brian got rescued just when he was about to face his most daunting obstacle yet: winter. So he decided to write a sequel that established an alternate timeline so to speak, a timeline that eliminates both the tail end of Hatchet where Brian gets rescued and the entirety of The River. If I’m not mistaken, (which I very well could be) I believe that books four and five of the series operate according to this newly established timeline.
Since The River has been my favorite installment of the series thus far, I was slightly disappointed to find its existence eradicated from this new timeline—but Brian’s Winter was still worth the read. (Although I must say that I find the idea of multiple timelines in a realistic series compelling.)
Much like Hatchet, Brian’s Winter is another straight-up survival narrative with very little else going on—but the stakes are raised considerably. Thus, I think that I liked it a bit more than book 1. We get to see Brian hunting moose and deer, as he is forced to face the elements and become more and more of a hardcore survivalist. Perhaps the highlight of the series for me, though, would be Betty, Brian’s “pet” skunk that continually threatens to spray him if he does not give her food. I just found that aspect of the book hilarious.
If you liked Hatchet, then you will definitely like this one!
December 27, 2022
This has been one of my favorite reads so far. I couldn’t stop reading! The novel was so well written, the plot was on point, the character and development clear and real, length and themes appropriate. I have no critic to give other than applause the style and idea of Gary Paulsen concerning this book.
As a child and young adult I have read the first and second installment of this series over and over again! I love a good survival story. When I discovered that there were even more books to the series I was overjoyed. The third and fourth hadn’t been published or available in German.
Im thrilled to read the next book in the Hatched series as soon as it arrives. In the meantime my final statement to this book is: Amazing and must read!
(31.01.2021-01.02.2021)
I was thinking to myself that something was missing from this years reading. And when, last night, I was literally freezing in bed, K thought of this book and how I wanted to reread it for a while now.
Today, I sat down by the fire and read it in about two hours while simultaneously feeling the cold of the story and being warmed by the fire.
Everything I have already written about this book is still true. It continues to be one of my all time favorites and holds up even while reading it for so many times now. I love the tight writing and the emotional journey of Brian. The survival topic is perfectly written and especially the failures and mistakes that the protagonist makes really sets this book apart from any other simple living in the wilderness story.
(21.11.2022-21.11.2022)
As a child and young adult I have read the first and second installment of this series over and over again! I love a good survival story. When I discovered that there were even more books to the series I was overjoyed. The third and fourth hadn’t been published or available in German.
Im thrilled to read the next book in the Hatched series as soon as it arrives. In the meantime my final statement to this book is: Amazing and must read!
(31.01.2021-01.02.2021)
I was thinking to myself that something was missing from this years reading. And when, last night, I was literally freezing in bed, K thought of this book and how I wanted to reread it for a while now.
Today, I sat down by the fire and read it in about two hours while simultaneously feeling the cold of the story and being warmed by the fire.
Everything I have already written about this book is still true. It continues to be one of my all time favorites and holds up even while reading it for so many times now. I love the tight writing and the emotional journey of Brian. The survival topic is perfectly written and especially the failures and mistakes that the protagonist makes really sets this book apart from any other simple living in the wilderness story.
(21.11.2022-21.11.2022)
February 15, 2014
I fell in love with the Canadian wilderness and Brian Robeson all over again in Brian’s Winter. This is like Hatchet, but with more evocative and breathtaking scenes of nature that left me awed and humbled. As an alternate sequel to the first book in the series, Brian’s Winter tackles the question of how Brian would survive through the winter if he hadn’t been rescued. Because Brian is more prepared than he was when he first crash-landed, this story has more fun elements amidst the danger; for example, Brian gets an unconventional pet, and moose encounter part two happens with better results. But the winter is a whole different animal, and it’s awesome to see how Brian uses the skills he learned in the fall and how he gains insight into the new problems that arise as the weather gets colder. And the imagery is more intense in Brian’s Winter – I was drooling throughout all the food scenes, and I froze along with Brian as he went outside into the snow to hunt. Overall, Brian’s Winter is a realistic and incredible journey that is another level up from Hatchet.
Paper Breathers (Book Reviews & Discussions)
Paper Breathers (Book Reviews & Discussions)
March 12, 2023
This is the best of the series so far. Betty the skunk is the star. 3.5 stars for her.
December 4, 2014
I love Gary Paulsen, and every signal book he makes. They're just so awesome and... well awesome. Brian's Winter pretty much follows after the first book "Hatchet", and shares the story if Brian never got out of the Canadian forest before winter. So now his whole conflict is Winter. I though it was really cool how Gary would give us readers this story even when it wasn't even meant to happen with the ending of Hatchet. The book just really goes into detail how Brian prepares for the closer coming winter. Its really cool to just read what is going to happen next because you will never really expect it. That's why this is one of the few books I actually ever read because I couldn't put the thing down. I give Brian"s Winter 5 stars because its an easy read and really cool to follow, and hey it gets you into the winter holiday spirit.
November 26, 2013
A nice little "what if" scenario that I am glad he tackled, it truly showed how much Brian has grown, as he handles things that gave him loads of trouble in the first book as if they were second nature. I only have two complainants, first off, the book was too short, I read books that overstay their welcome all the time, but this would be the first time a books I read has ever understayed their welcome. Secondly, the ending, it feels as if it was stuck on at the last second. All & All, I feel Gary Paulsen has wrote much better stuff then this, that's not to say it's bad, this is a really great book, but I feel there is some missed potential.
May 10, 2010
Sure, it's an odd alternate-reality sequel, but Gary Paulson wrote it because all the fans of Hatchet wrote to him and were like, but what if that random pilot hadn't come along and saved Brian? I imagine Mr. Paulson was just as interested in that question, so he wrote this book because it needed to be answered. Also, Brian is a badass.
My 3rd grade teacher used to read books aloud to my class, and I remember this one being one of my favorites.
My 3rd grade teacher used to read books aloud to my class, and I remember this one being one of my favorites.
September 4, 2015
Not very engaging but then again, this wasn't written for a 35 year old woman. I just really want to read a good survival story and don't know where to look I guess.
July 8, 2021
I love this survival series of a young boy who goes down in a plane crash in northern Canada and must survive on his own until he is rescued!
July 20, 2021
I didn’t know there was sequels! I enjoyed but not as good as hatchet ofc ofc
January 6, 2022
I enjoyed this ending much more than the original. It also made up for the not so great River addition.
May 18, 2020
I didn’t care for Brian’s winter adventure as much as I did the last one....maybe it was the narrator.
Want to read
August 15, 2019Recommended to follow-up Book 1: Hatchet with this book, then Book 2: The River.
August 18, 2025
Book: Brian’s Winter
Author: Gary Paulsen
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
These are such good books for middle schoolers! For those of you who don’t know, Hatchet does have four other books that follow it. This one is a “what if” story that asks the question What if Brian didn’t get recused at the end of Hatchet? It follows a predictable pattern, but you have to remember the target age for it. As a middle school teacher in a very rural area, my students devour Gary Paulsen books.
In the Canadian wilderness, Brian knows that survival means more than just fire, food, and shelter. A bear encounter reminds him how unprepared he is, his bow too weak for large animals, and his knife and hatchet offering little real protection. Yet the bear is not the greatest danger he faces. While hunting, fishing, and working to stay alive, Brian has overlooked the most important rule of all: pay attention. The signs have been there all along, and now he realises too late that summer is ending. With the harsh northern winter closing in, Brian must find new ways to endure the most relentless challenge of all: nature itself.
This one picks up with Brian still in the Canadian wilderness, and this time, he is facing a new and even more dangerous challenge: the changing of the seasons. In the earlier books, Brian learned how to build shelter, hunt, and fish, but in this instalment, he must reckon with something far larger than any animal threat, the oncoming winter. What makes this story interesting is how Paulsen shows Brian missing the signs that summer is ending. While he is focused on his daily survival tasks, he overlooks the subtle shifts in weather and landscape that signal the cold season. This mistake nearly costs him, since the brutal winter requires more preparation, more resourcefulness, and a new level of resilience.
While some of the plot can feel predictable or even unbelievable at times, it is important to remember that this book is written for middle-grade readers. My students love these stories for exactly that reason. They enjoy following Brian’s adventures step by step, imagining themselves in his position, and seeing how he solves problems in the wild. The straightforward writing style, the action, and the constant sense of danger all make the book exciting and accessible.
As someone who teaches and lives in a very rural area, I see why my students connect with this book. The tasks Brian faces, such as gathering food, securing shelter, and preparing warm clothing, are not abstract ideas for them. These are things they do with their families every year, whether it is stocking up on supplies, cutting wood for heating, or making sure everyone has the right gear for the season. The survival element of the story resonates with their own lived experience, even if it is heightened by the danger of the wilderness.
Ultimately, this book works because it balances adventure with relatability. Paulsen captures the excitement of survival in the wild while also reminding readers how much awareness and preparation it truly takes to endure harsh conditions. For middle-grade readers, it offers both thrills and a chance to reflect on their skills and routines. For teachers like me, it provides a book that engages students while also sparking conversations about resilience, responsibility, and the connection between people and nature.
If you are looking for a quick, survival story, then I highly encourage you to pick this one up and give it a go.
Author: Gary Paulsen
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
These are such good books for middle schoolers! For those of you who don’t know, Hatchet does have four other books that follow it. This one is a “what if” story that asks the question What if Brian didn’t get recused at the end of Hatchet? It follows a predictable pattern, but you have to remember the target age for it. As a middle school teacher in a very rural area, my students devour Gary Paulsen books.
In the Canadian wilderness, Brian knows that survival means more than just fire, food, and shelter. A bear encounter reminds him how unprepared he is, his bow too weak for large animals, and his knife and hatchet offering little real protection. Yet the bear is not the greatest danger he faces. While hunting, fishing, and working to stay alive, Brian has overlooked the most important rule of all: pay attention. The signs have been there all along, and now he realises too late that summer is ending. With the harsh northern winter closing in, Brian must find new ways to endure the most relentless challenge of all: nature itself.
This one picks up with Brian still in the Canadian wilderness, and this time, he is facing a new and even more dangerous challenge: the changing of the seasons. In the earlier books, Brian learned how to build shelter, hunt, and fish, but in this instalment, he must reckon with something far larger than any animal threat, the oncoming winter. What makes this story interesting is how Paulsen shows Brian missing the signs that summer is ending. While he is focused on his daily survival tasks, he overlooks the subtle shifts in weather and landscape that signal the cold season. This mistake nearly costs him, since the brutal winter requires more preparation, more resourcefulness, and a new level of resilience.
While some of the plot can feel predictable or even unbelievable at times, it is important to remember that this book is written for middle-grade readers. My students love these stories for exactly that reason. They enjoy following Brian’s adventures step by step, imagining themselves in his position, and seeing how he solves problems in the wild. The straightforward writing style, the action, and the constant sense of danger all make the book exciting and accessible.
As someone who teaches and lives in a very rural area, I see why my students connect with this book. The tasks Brian faces, such as gathering food, securing shelter, and preparing warm clothing, are not abstract ideas for them. These are things they do with their families every year, whether it is stocking up on supplies, cutting wood for heating, or making sure everyone has the right gear for the season. The survival element of the story resonates with their own lived experience, even if it is heightened by the danger of the wilderness.
Ultimately, this book works because it balances adventure with relatability. Paulsen captures the excitement of survival in the wild while also reminding readers how much awareness and preparation it truly takes to endure harsh conditions. For middle-grade readers, it offers both thrills and a chance to reflect on their skills and routines. For teachers like me, it provides a book that engages students while also sparking conversations about resilience, responsibility, and the connection between people and nature.
If you are looking for a quick, survival story, then I highly encourage you to pick this one up and give it a go.
January 6, 2016
I read the book brians winter .I enjoyed reading this book because it taught me how hard it would be to survive during winter. I like survival books liked this one, because I love what the outdoors has to offer.
Plot: Brian's Winter is book about a boy named Brian who survived in the Canadian wilderness over winter, after his plane had crashed. Brian set up his base camp about fifty yards from the lake and about fifty yards from the woods. He made a shelter to keep him protected from the wind and predators. He gathering firewood had become a chore since he had burned all of his wood within a 100 yards Brian never recognized the signs that winter was coming. Until one day when he woke up and the woods had with two inches of cold snow. Brian gathered firewood and began winterizing his shelter for winter. The days grew colder and shorter. He had less time to hunt, gather. Brian made himself a bow that could kill fool birds and rabbits on an accurate note. Brian never went hungry. He had a couple close encounters with moose, bear, and wolves. One night a bear had found his meat and tore into his shelter apart to pieces. The moose charged him on a hunt and some wolves stalked him but left him alone. Brian sat days upon days in his shelter to stay warm by the fire. He decided to make a war bow to kill bigger game. He made the bow, arrow shafts, and feathers. He made the stone tips out of a weird rock that he had found by the lake. He went out to hunt to kill a moose. Brian had enough meat to last him weeks. Over a period of time the days started to grow longer and warmer. He would go walking on day trips to explore the woods and the beauty of the world around him. Until one day he heard the gunshots. Brian came up on a small pond and saw what appeared to have been a pathway. Brian followed that path until he found dog tracks in the snow. He followed that path until he saw three dogs that were tied up. Brian had finally found another person. He hadn't seen another person in over six months. The person was an eskimo man,he had came out of his hut and invited Brian in. He forgot how to socialize with someone else. Brian took on a journey to the nearest town and he boarded a plane, and he was heading home
Characterization: Brian was a teenager that had crashed in a plane and was the only survivor. He was smart enough to hunt, gather, and most importantly survive. Brian did what he needed to do to survive. He accepted the fact that he would never be rescued. He kept going and strived to survive. Brian had made it out of the wilderness without going insane.
Recommendation: I would reccomend this book to 7-12 graders.If the reader lkies the outdoors they would like this book.
Plot: Brian's Winter is book about a boy named Brian who survived in the Canadian wilderness over winter, after his plane had crashed. Brian set up his base camp about fifty yards from the lake and about fifty yards from the woods. He made a shelter to keep him protected from the wind and predators. He gathering firewood had become a chore since he had burned all of his wood within a 100 yards Brian never recognized the signs that winter was coming. Until one day when he woke up and the woods had with two inches of cold snow. Brian gathered firewood and began winterizing his shelter for winter. The days grew colder and shorter. He had less time to hunt, gather. Brian made himself a bow that could kill fool birds and rabbits on an accurate note. Brian never went hungry. He had a couple close encounters with moose, bear, and wolves. One night a bear had found his meat and tore into his shelter apart to pieces. The moose charged him on a hunt and some wolves stalked him but left him alone. Brian sat days upon days in his shelter to stay warm by the fire. He decided to make a war bow to kill bigger game. He made the bow, arrow shafts, and feathers. He made the stone tips out of a weird rock that he had found by the lake. He went out to hunt to kill a moose. Brian had enough meat to last him weeks. Over a period of time the days started to grow longer and warmer. He would go walking on day trips to explore the woods and the beauty of the world around him. Until one day he heard the gunshots. Brian came up on a small pond and saw what appeared to have been a pathway. Brian followed that path until he found dog tracks in the snow. He followed that path until he saw three dogs that were tied up. Brian had finally found another person. He hadn't seen another person in over six months. The person was an eskimo man,he had came out of his hut and invited Brian in. He forgot how to socialize with someone else. Brian took on a journey to the nearest town and he boarded a plane, and he was heading home
Characterization: Brian was a teenager that had crashed in a plane and was the only survivor. He was smart enough to hunt, gather, and most importantly survive. Brian did what he needed to do to survive. He accepted the fact that he would never be rescued. He kept going and strived to survive. Brian had made it out of the wilderness without going insane.
Recommendation: I would reccomend this book to 7-12 graders.If the reader lkies the outdoors they would like this book.
June 28, 2019
Audiobook narrated by Richard Thomas. In this third book of Brian's saga, we find out what happens when Brian isn't rescued on day 54 (the Hatchet story) but instead spends a good portion of the winter in the wilderness. For me, this book didn't have the surprises and naivety of Hatchet but it was still humorous in places, like the terrorist skunk, and captured our basic human nature so well (naming animals as if they are friends and feeling guilt when killing for food.) Brian seems to spend his days so effortlessly that the story lagged a bit towards the end. Still a great series.
October 24, 2014
I read "Brian's Winter" by Gary Paulsen, I thought the book was good in some ways. It started out in the early stages of fall and worked its way into the winter including all the changes that had to be made just to survive. He had to kill more for food and clothing. Brian spends a great majority of his time in his shelter to stay warm and not freeze to death in the harsh winter.
The main character of this book is Brian. He is a very brave, tough, and intelligent boy who is trying to survive in the northwoods during the winter. Brian finds many struggles on his journey but what he finds hardest to deal with is not being able to see his family. He talked a lot about how much he missed his mom and dad. At the end of the book Brian meets a nice little trapper family that get him home.
The setting of the book takes place in the woods during the winter months in modern times, which plays a major roll in the reading. Brian is used to sleeping inside a building for the winter, having enough food, and not struggling at all. Now Brian is fighting for his life, remembering all that he had learned about the woods. He remembers the life that he used to live back in the city which causes him to undergo some very drastic changes in his lifestyle.
I feel that the author's purpose in writing this book it to try and tell people to get out of their comfort zones, because you never know what can happen to you or someone you love. I feel the author did a great job portraying that.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is an easy read. No matter your imagination, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know more. I rate the book five out of five stars.
The main character of this book is Brian. He is a very brave, tough, and intelligent boy who is trying to survive in the northwoods during the winter. Brian finds many struggles on his journey but what he finds hardest to deal with is not being able to see his family. He talked a lot about how much he missed his mom and dad. At the end of the book Brian meets a nice little trapper family that get him home.
The setting of the book takes place in the woods during the winter months in modern times, which plays a major roll in the reading. Brian is used to sleeping inside a building for the winter, having enough food, and not struggling at all. Now Brian is fighting for his life, remembering all that he had learned about the woods. He remembers the life that he used to live back in the city which causes him to undergo some very drastic changes in his lifestyle.
I feel that the author's purpose in writing this book it to try and tell people to get out of their comfort zones, because you never know what can happen to you or someone you love. I feel the author did a great job portraying that.
I would recommend this book to anyone. It is an easy read. No matter your imagination, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting to know more. I rate the book five out of five stars.
April 16, 2013
Name: April Fell
Genre: Adventure
APA: Paulsen, Gary.(1996). Brian's Winter. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Highly Recommended/read 1st two books Hatchet and The River/this is the final book in the series
Brain's Winter is the 3rd book in the Hatchet series. Gary Paulsen received feedback from his readers that they wanted to know what happened to Brian in book II. He felt an obligation to his readers to finish what he had started in Hatchet.
Brian is stranded in the Alaskan wilderness when his plane goes down. It was either learn the ways of the wild or die. Brian built a shelter, learned to make tools, hunt for animals and sew clothing from hide. He also learned the rhythms of the seasons but had not yet experienced winter. He missed the clues of winter's arrival until one day he heard the geese flying south and then he knew his survival would depend on the skills he was learning.
First, he killed small game with a makeshift bow and arrow he made. He realized however, these small animals would not sustain him throughout the winter-moose and deer were his next targets.
Join Brian on his journey and experience what it was for him to experience weeks in a wet, cold sleeping bag and clothing. The feeling of being alone in a forest with nothing to keep you company but sounds of the forest and your own thoughts. It is a life changing event from boyhood to manhood, just as the seasons change, so too does Brian. Highly Recommended
Genre: Adventure
APA: Paulsen, Gary.(1996). Brian's Winter. New York: Random House Children's Books.
Highly Recommended/read 1st two books Hatchet and The River/this is the final book in the series
Brain's Winter is the 3rd book in the Hatchet series. Gary Paulsen received feedback from his readers that they wanted to know what happened to Brian in book II. He felt an obligation to his readers to finish what he had started in Hatchet.
Brian is stranded in the Alaskan wilderness when his plane goes down. It was either learn the ways of the wild or die. Brian built a shelter, learned to make tools, hunt for animals and sew clothing from hide. He also learned the rhythms of the seasons but had not yet experienced winter. He missed the clues of winter's arrival until one day he heard the geese flying south and then he knew his survival would depend on the skills he was learning.
First, he killed small game with a makeshift bow and arrow he made. He realized however, these small animals would not sustain him throughout the winter-moose and deer were his next targets.
Join Brian on his journey and experience what it was for him to experience weeks in a wet, cold sleeping bag and clothing. The feeling of being alone in a forest with nothing to keep you company but sounds of the forest and your own thoughts. It is a life changing event from boyhood to manhood, just as the seasons change, so too does Brian. Highly Recommended
October 24, 2014
Personal Response: "Brian's Winter" was a great book from the series of "Hatchet". Also this book was based on a series of events that happened in this timeline.
Plot: Brian is lost in the woods and is surviving out in the wilderness alone as a survivor of a plane crash. As winter approaches, Brian is hurrying to make up for lost time. About a month into winter there are gunshots across the lake and another plane overhead. Brian believes himself to be hallucinating these things and dismisses them. Another month by, Brian finds himself along tracks of something man-made. Following these tracks, Brian finds a trapping family that has been in the area for about three weeks. Brian stays with them and shares his story before the next plane comes with another shipment to civilization.
Characterization: Brian. Brian is the main character and is a teenage boy surviving in the wilderness alone after a plane crash.
Setting: The story takes place in modern times in a secluded forest far from any cities. Winter surrounds the forest and there is no sign of any cities around.
Thematic Connection: I believe that the author is trying to tell the readers to be aware of one's surroundings and always think about what might happen in the coming days.
I recommend this book to anyone who is above the age of 12 and has a quick mind.
Plot: Brian is lost in the woods and is surviving out in the wilderness alone as a survivor of a plane crash. As winter approaches, Brian is hurrying to make up for lost time. About a month into winter there are gunshots across the lake and another plane overhead. Brian believes himself to be hallucinating these things and dismisses them. Another month by, Brian finds himself along tracks of something man-made. Following these tracks, Brian finds a trapping family that has been in the area for about three weeks. Brian stays with them and shares his story before the next plane comes with another shipment to civilization.
Characterization: Brian. Brian is the main character and is a teenage boy surviving in the wilderness alone after a plane crash.
Setting: The story takes place in modern times in a secluded forest far from any cities. Winter surrounds the forest and there is no sign of any cities around.
Thematic Connection: I believe that the author is trying to tell the readers to be aware of one's surroundings and always think about what might happen in the coming days.
I recommend this book to anyone who is above the age of 12 and has a quick mind.
April 1, 2009
I´ve learned about this book a lot. Now, when i hear someone has been stranded out in the wilderness, I always think about Brian. This book teaches you have to do a lot of things and speccially never give up and less when your life is on the line. I also liked that the book was very interesting, for example when Brian was attacked by a moose or how he learned to make snowshoes. I really like adventure stories and even more survival stories, and this book covers all of it. I think it was very interesting how he learned to make his bow stronger so he can hunt easier. It was a good idea making this book because honeslty i did´t liked how Hatchet ended and this book ended smoother. This book teaches you a lot.
March 1, 2017
I had the same problem with this book as Hatchet. It was repetitive. But this one gets an extra star because it wasn't as repetitive. I still didn't enjoy the book, as it felt like it was the same format as Hatchet, it was repetitive only this time in the winter. I'm kind of disappointed with Brian's Winter and Hatchet because the concept of being stranded and having to survive are good, it's just that the books aren't good.
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