Scholastic Bookfiles: My Side Of The Mountain By Jean Craighead George
Scholastic bookfiles Series
on Goodreads (43)
What’s inside...
The 'Scholastic Bookfiles' guide for 'My Side of the Mountain' by Jean Craighead George, written by Hannah Mitchell, provides a comprehensive companion to the original novel. It includes a plot summary, character analyses, thematic discussions, and educational resources. The guide aims to enhance the reader's understanding of the story about a young boy named Sam Gribley who leaves home to live in the wilderness of the Catskill Mountains. He learns to survive on his own, foraging, hunting, and making a home in a hollowed-out tree. The guide might also explore the themes of self-reliance, nature, and the journey to adulthood. It is designed to help students engage with the novel on a deeper level, providing context, critical thinking questions, and insights into George's writing process and the book's reception. This reading companion is perfect for students, parents, and teachers who have enjoyed and want to know more about Jean Craighead George's award-winning novel, 'My Side of the Mountain'. This companion gives background on the author, including an interview, questions to guide reading, clues to the story's themes, plot, characters, and setting, a glossary, writing and other activities, and more.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sam Gribley
Bando
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Sam to leave home and live in the wilderness?
How did Sam change as a person from the beginning to the end of the story?
What skills did Sam learn in the wild that surprised you the most?
How do you think you would handle living in the wilderness like Sam? What would be your biggest challenge?
What part of Sam’s adventure did you find the most exciting or inspiring?
Tip: Role play these questions
Reflect on Sam's journey by sharing a personal story of a time when you faced a challenge alone. This helps bridge the connection between your experiences and Sam's adventure.
Encourage your child to imagine their own wilderness adventure. Ask what tools they would bring and why, helping them connect more deeply with Sam's preparations and innovations.
Discuss the importance of perseverance, using Sam's story as an example. Highlight how his failures led to learning and eventual success.
After reading a section, pause and ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering critical thinking and engagement with the plot.
At the end of your discussions, encourage drawing or writing a short story that adds a new adventure for Sam, encouraging creativity and reinforcing their understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-reliance and independence
Explanation: The protagonist, Sam Gribley, decides to live in the wilderness away from his urban home, learning to fend for himself and live off the land.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being self-sufficient and the skills necessary to accomplish tasks independently, fostering confidence and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sam develops a deep connection with the natural environment, learning about flora and fauna, and how to live harmoniously with nature.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to appreciate and care for the natural world around them, promoting environmentally friendly practices from a young age.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and adaptability
Explanation: Sam encounters various challenges in the wilderness, from finding food to dealing with weather conditions, requiring him to think critically and adapt to his circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach problems with a calm and creative mindset, enhancing their ability to adapt to different situations in life.
Example Lesson: Courage to follow one’s dreams
Explanation: Despite objections from others, Sam follows his dream of living in the mountains, demonstrating courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to pursue their own passions and goals, even when facing skepticism or opposition.
Example Lesson: Value of solitude and introspection
Explanation: Living alone in the wilderness gives Sam plenty of time for self-reflection, helping him understand himself better.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the importance of spending time alone for personal reflection, which is vital for emotional and mental health development.