Hatchet

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

A boy is on a bush flight to visit family in the Canadian wilderness when the pilot has a medical emergency. The boy tries to radio for help. However, the signal is not strong and they only make erratic communication. Eventually, the plane crashes and only the boy survives. He initially hopes to be rescued and dreams of burgers. Then he starts to struggle with the resources he has. (The hatched is one important tool.) He is able to survive until he is finally rescued. It is a familiar survival story told fairly well.

Tracker

Tracker by Gary Paulsen

A boy's parents died when he was young. He is being raised by his grandparents in rural Minnesota. His grandpa has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Now the boy is hunting on his own. In most of the novel he is out tracking and hunting deer by himself. He spends time contemplating death of loved ones and animals.