My Side of the Mountain

Name: My Side of the Mountain
Author: Jean Craighead George

Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

Published: 1959
Ages: 9–12

About the book

A young boy runs away from home to live in the wilderness, learning to survive and forming a bond with a peregrine falcon.

AI summary

A young boy runs away from home to live in the wilderness, learning to survive and forming a bond with a peregrine falcon.

Why parents choose this book

What makes My Side of the Mountain worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

Age range: 9–12 (fits siblings across a range).
Reading maturity: Middle grade — richer plots and vocabulary with age-appropriate themes.
Kids who tend to love it: Adventure.
Personality fit: big-imagination kids who love new worlds.

Parents love this book because

Age-appropriate content for the 9–12 band with no significant flags.
Written by Jean Craighead George, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy My Side of the Mountain if they…

Enjoy adventure and quests

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 9–12 age band.

Things parents should know

No significant content concerns for this age band. Preview with your reader if you want to discuss any specific themes.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time

Varies by reader

Length

Length varies by edition

Difficulty

Middle grade

Works as read-aloud

Works, but often chosen by independent readers

Good for independent readers

Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We think My Side of the Mountain is a confident pick for the 9–12 age band. It leans into adventure in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Jean Craighead George's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.