Books in the series My Side of the Mountain

My Side of the Mountain is a beloved Newbery Honor classic that captures the ultimate childhood dream: leaving the city behind to live in the wild. Twelve-year-old Sam Gribley, tired of his cramped New York City life, heads to the Catskill Mountains with little more than a penknife and his own wits. This gripping tale of survival follows Sam as he carves out a home inside a hollowed-out hemlock tree, learns to forage for food, and even trains a peregrine falcon named Frightful to help him hunt. It is an essential read for any child who has ever looked at the woods and wondered if they could make it on their own.

This book is perfect for children who love nature, camping, and stories of rugged independence. Jean Craighead George’s detailed descriptions of the natural world and Sam’s ingenious survival techniques make the story feel incredibly real and inspiring. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in wilderness skills, animal companionship, and the quiet beauty of the great outdoors. Whether read as a classroom staple or a personal adventure, Sam’s journey of self-discovery remains a timeless masterpiece for middle-grade readers.

Highlights:

• A classic survival story that celebrates resourcefulness and independence.
• Richly detailed descriptions of wilderness living and falconry.
• Perfect for fans of Hatchet and outdoor adventure stories.
• Explores deep themes of self-reliance and the human connection to nature.

In this gripping sequel to the classic My Side of the Mountain, Sam Gribley’s peaceful life in the Catskill Mountains is turned upside down. While Sam has mastered the art of wilderness survival, new challenges arise when his younger sister, Alice, joins him in the woods. Their quiet existence is shattered when a conservation officer takes away Sam’s beloved falcon, Frightful, and Alice mysteriously disappears. Sam must use every skill he has learned to track his sister across the dangerous terrain of the far side of the mountain.

This novel is an ideal choice for readers interested in outdoor survival, nature, and the deep bond between humans and animals. Jean Craighead George expertly weaves technical knowledge of the wilderness with a high-stakes mystery that keeps readers turning pages. It is perfect for children who love stories about independence and the great outdoors, making it a great choice for fans of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet or those who enjoyed Sam’s first adventure.

Highlights:

• Thrilling wilderness survival and tracking elements
• Exploration of the strong bond between siblings
• Rich details about falconry and mountain ecosystems
• A compelling mystery involving a missing person

Frightful's Mountain is a captivating survival story that continues the beloved saga of Sam Gribley and his peregrine falcon. In this installment, the focus shifts to Frightful as she is forced to navigate the wild on her own. Having been raised by a human, she must learn the essential skills of hunting, migrating, and finding a mate—tasks that do not come naturally to her. This novel is a perfect choice for children who love animals and the great outdoors, offering a unique perspective on the natural world through the eyes of a bird of prey.

Ideal for readers interested in environmental conservation and wildlife, Jean Craighead George’s writing is both educational and deeply moving. It explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, highlighting the challenges endangered species face. Fans of the My Side of the Mountain series will find this a satisfying and emotional journey that explores what it truly means to be free. It is a great choice for middle-grade readers looking for an adventure that is grounded in realistic science and heartfelt storytelling.

Highlights:

• A unique perspective told primarily from the viewpoint of a peregrine falcon.
• Richly detailed descriptions of nature, wildlife behavior, and the environment.
• Explores themes of independence, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and animals.