My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George follows Sam Gribley, a boy who leaves his crowded New York apartment to live off the land in the Catskill Mountains. Narrated through Sam's journal, the book details his challenges and triumphs in nature, including building a tree house, training a falcon named Frightful, befriending animals, and learning self-sufficiency.

Jean Craighead George’s My Side of the Mountain is praised for its engaging portrayal of wilderness survival and coming-of-age themes. Readers appreciate the vivid descriptions and resourceful protagonist. However, some find the plot slow-moving and the depiction of survival somewhat idealized. Overall, it’s valued for its immersive, nature-centric story.

Readers who enjoy My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George typically relish nature, adventure, and self-sufficiency. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell will appreciate its themes of wilderness survival and coming-of-age. Suitable for middle-grade to young adult readers, it captivates outdoor enthusiasts and independents alike.

Adventurous / Serene / Contemplative / Inspirational / Nostalgic

- My Side of the Mountain was published in 1959 and was a runner-up for the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1960, signaling its early recognition as a significant work in children's literature.
- The author, Jean Craighead George, drew inspiration from her own experiences living with nature, as she came from a family of naturalists, which greatly informed the vivid depictions of wilderness in the book.
- My Side of the Mountain is the first in a trilogy; it is followed by On the Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful's Mountain, which continue to explore themes of self-reliance and nature.

**Sam Gribley**  
A 12-year-old boy who runs away from his crowded New York apartment to live independently in the wilderness; he narrates his adventure, showcasing his resourcefulness and growth in survival skills.

**Frightful**  
A peregrine falcon that Sam captures and trains, forming a strong companionship with him and assisting him in hunting.

**Mr. Gribley**  
Sam's father, a former sailor who works on the docks in New York, supportive of Sam's adventurous spirit, and visits him in the mountains.

**Bando**  
A college English teacher whom Sam befriends after initially mistaking him for a bandit; he appreciates Sam's efforts to live in nature and becomes a close friend.

Jean Craighead George

Middle grade

Novel

Mountain

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore My Side of the Mountain reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read My Side of the Mountain | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore My Side of the Mountain and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

My Side of the Mountain Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

My Side of the Mountain Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-11

My Side of the Mountain Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-16

My Side of the Mountain Chapters 12-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-19

My Side of the Mountain Chapters 17-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-22

My Side of the Mountain Chapters 20-22 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

My Side of the Mountain Character Analysis

theme

Themes

My Side of the Mountain Themes

Symbols & Motifs

My Side of the Mountain Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

My Side of the Mountain Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

My Side of the Mountain Essay Topics

My Side of the Mountain Teaching Unit

Introduction

My Side of the Mountain Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

My Side of the Mountain Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

My Side of the Mountain Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

My Side of the Mountain Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

My Side of the Mountain Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

My Side of the Mountain Activities

Essay Questions

My Side of the Mountain Essay Questions

Exam Questions

My Side of the Mountain Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

My Side of the Mountain Exam Answer Key

My Side of the Mountain

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read My Side of the Mountain?

Reading Age

Book Details