My Side of the Mountain discussion questions

Front

Who is the main character and why does he leave home

Back

Sam Gribley is the main character. He leaves home to live in the wilderness and prove

he can survive on his own.

Front

Where does Sam choose to live in the wilderness

Back

He chooses to live in the Catskill Mountains in a hollowed-out tree.

Front

How does Sam prepare for his journey in the mountains

Back

Sam brings only a few supplies ( Penknife, a ball of cord, an ax, $40, flint, and steel) and relies on skills he learned from books at the library.

Front

What important skills does Sam learn to survive?

Back

He learns hunting, fishing, making fire, and identifying edible plants to survive.

Front

How does Sam find food in the wilderness?

Back

Sam eats fish, small game, nuts, berries, and plants he gathers.

Front

What kind of shelter does Sam create for himself?

Back

He hollows out a giant hemlock tree to live inside.

Front

How does Sam train Frightful, the falcon?

Back

He takes a young falcon from a nest, names her Frightful, and trains her to hunt for

him.

Front

What is the first major challenge Sam faces in the wild?

Back

A major challenge Sam faces is finding food and shelter in extreme weather

conditions.

Front

How does Sam interact

with the animals around him?

Back

Sam observes and learns from animals like The Baron Weasel and other birds.

Front

What does Sam use to

make clothing for himself?

Back

He uses deerskin, rabbit fur, and other natural materials for clothing.