Why are we reading Hatchet in 4th grade?

There are two scenes in the book that seem inappropriate for 9 year olds.

The first, during the plane crash and the pilot has a heart attack and shits himself. Not that big of a deal, just kind of gross and I don’t think my kids were ready for that.

The second, his suicide attempt where he describes in detail the process for slitting your wrist with a hatchet.

Our school knows it’s a lot for the kids. The school guidance counselor was there to talk about suicide and emotions.

It’s a classic book that I read and enjoyed when I was in 6th grade but it seems like we should hold off on giving the book to 9 year olds.