My Side of the Mountain
Penguin 2001
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- independence
- self-reliance
- nature and wilderness
- resourcefulness
- courage
- friendship with animals
- family and belonging
About this book
Twelve-year-old Sam Gribley leaves his crowded New York City apartment to live on his own in the Catskill Mountains, learning how to find food, build shelter, and thrive in the wild. Told with rich nature detail and practical how-to survival moments, Sam’s journey celebrates curiosity, resilience, and self-reliance. Readers are drawn to the quiet adventure, the bond he forms with the natural world (including a trained falcon), and the satisfaction of mastering new skills. Perfect for middle graders who love outdoor adventure and realistic survival stories.
Setting: the Catskill Mountains of New York, mid-20th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Side of the Mountain right for my child?
Yes — My Side of the Mountain is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include survival, independence, self-reliance.
How long does it take to read My Side of the Mountain?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, My Side of the Mountain takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 40,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Side of the Mountain have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Side of the Mountain has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is My Side of the Mountain?
My Side of the Mountain has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.