This is the fictional story about teenager Sam's escape from city life to the woods. He displays great self-sufficiency, and learns a lot about himself and what it's like to live a mostly independent life on the land. He meets some interesting characters (animal and human) too.

"Should appeal to all rugged individualists who dream of escape to the forest."—The New York Times Book Review

"Sam Gribley is terribly unhappy living in New York City with his family, so he runs away to the Catskill Mountains to live in the woods—all by himself. With only a penknife, a ball of cord, forty dollars, and some flint and steel, he intends to survive on his own. Sam learns about courage, danger, and independence during his year in the wilderness, a year that changes his life forever." Amazon.



“An extraordinary book . . . It will be read year after year.”
—The Horn Book"

People who are interested in living off the land/ off grid, people who like young adult stories, animal stories, and interesting characters.

I liked Sam's character and how well prepared he was knowledge wise before setting out. I loved his care for nature and his attitude towards the animals he considered friends. I loved "Frightful." And Bando was a surprise character to me.

Sam's eagerness to have human contact had him take risks I wouldn't have, at least I don't think I would have.. but who knows what one would really do unless you're the one living the situation.

Make a happy ending for Frightful.

Like I was reading Sam's journal and sometimes like I was on the adventure with him.

" "I write for children. Children are still in love with the wonders of nature, and I am too. So I tell them stories about a boy and a falcon, a girl and an elegant wolf pack, about owls, weasels, foxes, prairie dogs, the alpine tundra, the tropical rain forest. And when the telling is done, I hope they will want to protect all the beautiful creatures and places."

Jean Craighead George (1919–2012) was the author of more than 100 beloved books for young people, including the Newbery Award–winning Julie of the Wolves , the Newbery Honor–winning My Side of the Mountain, On the Far Side of the Mountain, and Frightful's Mountain . She was a lifetime naturalist and a household name. Her website can be found at www.jeancraigheadgeorge.com." Amazon

It was interesting and I even learned a few things.

I borrowed the audio book version of this from my library. I think I would have enjoyed a regular book more. The narrator could have been more exciting. But the story itself was enjoyable to me.

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Created Mar 27, 2022 at 12:40pm • Submit your own review...