My Side of the Mountain

Jean Craighead George

When twelve-year-old Sam Gribley decides to run away from home, he doesn't stop at the end of the block—he ventures all the way to the Catskill Mountains to build a life of complete independence in a hollowed-out tree. Armed with nothing but his wits and determination, Sam learns to survive off the land, befriending a falcon and a weasel while mastering the skills of wilderness living. As he faces brutal winters, dangerous hunters, and the crushing weight of loneliness, Sam discovers that true freedom comes with unexpected challenges and hard-won growth. Jean Craighead George's spellbinding classic captures the adventure and resilience of a young man's journey toward self-discovery, inspiring readers to embrace their own spirit of independence and connection to nature. This Newbery Honor Book remains a timeless testament to the transformative power of courage, resourcefulness, and the call of the wild.