Anyway, Our mothers noticed our affection for the book (overdue library notices, I guess), and one day, each of us received a special present - the hardcover version of the book that had the embossed award seal on the cover. Was that ever great. Now that I had my own copy, I literally read the book another 16 or 17 times (no kidding). I used to quote the first page or two from memory and drive Rob crazy. I think he managed to read it 5 or 6 times and move on to other things.

I now have 4 kids of my own, I look forward to reading this treasure to them.

I'll definitely have to act surprised when they want to read it over and over and over...


One of my favorite books of all I've ever read.   March 27, 1997
This book appeals to the adventurer and anti-conformist in us all. It is in the spirit of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, escaping down the river from the demands of civilization. I turn 40 this year, and the appeal of this book remains as strong as ever. This copy is mine, since my 7 year old daughter won't give back the one I used to own


A story of survival that will remain in the reader's mind   March 4, 1997
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Sam Gribley is tired of living in his small N.Y. apartment, so he runs away to the Catskill Mountain to live on his own. With only a penknife, a ball of cord, forty dollars and some flint and steel to make fires. He is forced to survive and he does. He finds a falcon's nest and takes one nestling and trains her to catch food and stand in his wrist. The falcon, called Frightful, grows up with him. He starts meeting people that go up the mountain until everyone in the city knows where he is, and then he knew his wilderness adventure was over. I am a 13 year old boy from Venezuela and this is the best book that I have ever read. I cannot wait to read the sequel


A touching, heartfelt tale.   February 18, 1997
This book opened me up to nature and filled me with emotion, it was so realistic. You can feel Sam's feelings, cry when he cries. You believe as if you're there. My 4th grade teacher read this and I sought out a copy, making this author my #2 fave ever


You think he'll sell it to me when he's finished??   October 9, 1996
If your grading scale went to 50, it wouldn't be high enough to accurately review this book. I read it when I was young. I was about 8. I read it again when I was 14. If I could find it locally, I'd read it again right now, and I'm 42. We're ordering a copy for my 15 year old son (and I would NEVER borrow it!!) My thanks to Ms. George, the time it took you to write My Side of the Mountain made a reader of me