My Side of the Mountain

In 1959, My Side of the Mountain, written by Jean Craighead George, was published. She has written many great books about nature such as On the Far Side of the Mountain and Julie of the Wolves, and she has won many awards. The book tells the story of a boy named Sam Gribley, who lived in a city in New York. Because he hated cities, he ran away and started living in the woods in the Catskill Mountains. While he was there he wanted a peregrine falcon to help him hunt. Fortunately, he discovered a nest with peregrine falcons in it. He cautiously climbed a tree and stole an eyas, which is a baby falcon. The falcon, which he named Frightful, became his trustworthy hunting companion.

While living in the woods, Sam made a home for himself inside the trunk of a tree. Because he had read many nature books, he learned to forage for food, fish, and trap animals. From the skin of a deer which he had captured, he sewed his own clothes. Amazingly, he even fashioned his own warm winter underwear from rabbit skin. Sam Gribely was a hermit kind of person, but very brave. Frightful, a courageous, friendly bird, wasn’t afraid of anything. Together, they made a great team. They hunted and they lived happily through the winter without any hunger pains.

Frightful was also a beautiful bird, and any other falcon that saw her wanted to mate with her; one time she mated with another falcon and had eyas! But that’s another story. From this awesome story I learned to always be adventurous, but never live alone, because later in the story Sam really wants someone to live with, although he doesn’t really know it. This truly is a great story which I recommend to all ages from 10 and up. This book exudes adventure and excitement. Completely deserving of its Newberry Honor Award, this well written book is a terrific read, and probably is my favorite book ever.