My Side

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My Side
of the
Mountain
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Sam Gribley decides to leave his home
in New York City and run away to the Catskill
Mountains to live in the forest all on his own.
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With only a pen knife, a ball of cord,
an ax, forty dollars, and flint and steel, he
sets off on an adventure of both courage and
danger.

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After a long journey, Sam reaches the
Catskill Mountains where he makes his home in a
hemlock tree that is six feet in diameter. He
has a bed that is covered with deerskin, a
fireplace made of clay and stone, three knotholes
to let fresh air in, and a lamp that he made from
a turtle shell.
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Sam learns to gather nut and berries
for food. He hunts small game and smokes venison
and fish. Sam eats turtle soup, acorn pancakes,
wild rice, stewed mussels, wild potatoes, and
other forest foods.
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Sam has many animal friends. One is a
peregrine falcon that he steals from its nest and
names the bird Frightful. He teaches the falcon
how to hunt food for him. Frightful becomes his
friend and his companion.
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In December, Sam senses that a dangerous
snowstorm is on its way. The clouds become black
and fearsome. The sky blackens and the
temperature drops drastically. Frightful becomes
restless, and the forest becomes dead quiet. No
animal can be seen or heard. Sam is frightened
and contemplates running back to New York. All
he can think about his warm and cozy home.
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Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the
book, My Side of the Mountain. Read how Sam
Gribley relies on the resources of the forest,
learns about danger and courage, and encounters
the true meaning of companionship.
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Created By Deborah Sweeney Theresa Whitehead