Module 6: REALISTIC FICTION FOR YOUNGER READERS
October 5-11
Brian's Winter
By: Gary Paulsen
Ages 13-18
October 5-11
Brian's Winter
By: Gary Paulsen
Ages 13-18
Summary:
This story takes readers to an alternate universe. A universe where the well loved and familiar character, Brian from Paulsen's original story The Hatchet, is not rescued right away, and has to stay the winter in the wilderness after his plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. At first Brian breaks the first rule he has learned out in the wilderness and that is to pay attention. Slowly summer drifts to fall and winter almost creeps up on Brian unexpectedly. He realizes in the nick of time and spends the rest of his fall preparing for winter. His gun breaks, and he is forced to find other means of survival. He creates his own bow and arrows, spears, and even uses rabbit skins and other animal hides to clothe himself. This book is all about Brian's trials and errors as he struggles to survive the treacherous winter, all alone, in the wilderness.
My Impressions:
I had always loved the book The Hatchet and I was completely unaware that Gary Paulsen had continued the stories, and has made almost a sort of franchise out of the character Brian and his adventures. I was delighted to discover this option and dove right into Brian's Winter. I was not at all disappointed and completely adored this book. It was exciting and funny; full of adventure and intrigue. I was left breathless at the scene where he hunted the moose. I am greatly looking forward to exploring all of the other Brian adventure books.
Reviews:
"Paulsen describes in precise detail how Brian crafts snowshoes, makes a strong bow and arrowheads of flint, sews fur clothing and hunts game. Fans of Paulsen's tales of wilderness survival will welcome the authentic information, and Brian remains a sympathetic and believable character as he learns from his mistakes and comes to live in harmony with his harsh but beautiful environment. --Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. Ages 13 to 18."-Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT Review, March 1998 (Vol. 32, No. 2)
Lesson Plans:
This idea of survival is very intriguing and interesting to children and youth of all ages. This book could be paired up with lessons in survival skills, safety skills, and emergency preparedness skills. Educators could present students in small groups with various scenarios and students would have to write out and even dramatize how they would survive each scenario. This book could also be paired with non fiction books depicting real life survival stories, their heros and heroines. Again safety issues, basic survival skills, etc. could be emphasized to really show the relevance of this work while still encouraging reading.
Paulsen, Gary. Brian's Winter. New York: Delacorte Press, 1996.
Rohrlick, Paula. "Children's Literature Reviews: Brian's Winter". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. October 18, 2009.
This story takes readers to an alternate universe. A universe where the well loved and familiar character, Brian from Paulsen's original story The Hatchet, is not rescued right away, and has to stay the winter in the wilderness after his plane crashes in the middle of nowhere. At first Brian breaks the first rule he has learned out in the wilderness and that is to pay attention. Slowly summer drifts to fall and winter almost creeps up on Brian unexpectedly. He realizes in the nick of time and spends the rest of his fall preparing for winter. His gun breaks, and he is forced to find other means of survival. He creates his own bow and arrows, spears, and even uses rabbit skins and other animal hides to clothe himself. This book is all about Brian's trials and errors as he struggles to survive the treacherous winter, all alone, in the wilderness.
My Impressions:
I had always loved the book The Hatchet and I was completely unaware that Gary Paulsen had continued the stories, and has made almost a sort of franchise out of the character Brian and his adventures. I was delighted to discover this option and dove right into Brian's Winter. I was not at all disappointed and completely adored this book. It was exciting and funny; full of adventure and intrigue. I was left breathless at the scene where he hunted the moose. I am greatly looking forward to exploring all of the other Brian adventure books.
Reviews:
"Paulsen describes in precise detail how Brian crafts snowshoes, makes a strong bow and arrowheads of flint, sews fur clothing and hunts game. Fans of Paulsen's tales of wilderness survival will welcome the authentic information, and Brian remains a sympathetic and believable character as he learns from his mistakes and comes to live in harmony with his harsh but beautiful environment. --Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students. Ages 13 to 18."-Paula Rohrlick, KLIATT Review, March 1998 (Vol. 32, No. 2)
Lesson Plans:
This idea of survival is very intriguing and interesting to children and youth of all ages. This book could be paired up with lessons in survival skills, safety skills, and emergency preparedness skills. Educators could present students in small groups with various scenarios and students would have to write out and even dramatize how they would survive each scenario. This book could also be paired with non fiction books depicting real life survival stories, their heros and heroines. Again safety issues, basic survival skills, etc. could be emphasized to really show the relevance of this work while still encouraging reading.
Paulsen, Gary. Brian's Winter. New York: Delacorte Press, 1996.
Rohrlick, Paula. "Children's Literature Reviews: Brian's Winter". Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. October 18, 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment