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Cover of My Side of the Mountain

Age rating and parents' guide:My Side of the Mountain

by Jean Craighead George

Ages 9–14

My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

Tired of his crowded New York City apartment, young Sam Gribley runs away to the Catskill Mountains to live off the land on his family's old homestead. Hollowing out a massive hemlock tree for shelter, he learns to forage, make fire, and train a young peregrine falcon named Frightful to hunt alongside him. This classic survival story captures the quiet thrill of outdoor self-reliance and the beauty of the natural world, appealing strongly to young readers who dream of independence and wilderness adventure.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light

Great for kids who like

  • Animals
  • Nature & outdoors

Reading mood

  • Thoughtful

Good to talk about

  • Family
  • Engineering & making

Books like My Side of the Mountain

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    When elderly siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan boy to help on their Prince Edward Island farm, they are surprised by the arrival of Anne Shirley—a spirited, red-headed girl with a fiery temper and boundless imagination. Anne soon wins over the community through her quirky mishaps, heartfelt loyalty, and fierce determination. Readers will fall in love with her vibrant personality, relatable school rivalries, and the touching warmth of finding a true home.

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  • Cover of Rules

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    Rules

    by Cynthia Lord

    Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life, which feels impossible with her younger brother David, who has autism. She creates lists of rules for David to help him navigate the world, but her own life gets complicated over the summer. While trying to impress a popular new girl next door, Catherine befriends Jason, a nonverbal boy who uses a communication book. This warm, thoughtful story explores the challenges and deep bonds of family, helping readers reflect on acceptance, disability, and what it truly means to be normal.

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  • Cover of Pax

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    Pax

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    Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But when war breaks out, Peter's father enlists and forces him to return Pax to the wild. Heartbroken and racked with guilt, Peter slips away from his grandfather's home and sets out on a difficult journey to find his friend. Told in alternating chapters from both Peter's and Pax's perspectives, this moving story explores deep loyalty, healing from trauma, and the true cost of war on people and the natural world.

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  • Cover of Fish in a Tree

    Ages 9–14

    Fish in a Tree

    by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

    Ally has managed to hide her inability to read by acting out and causing distractions at every new school she attends. Feeling hopeless and convinced she is simply not smart, her outlook begins to shift when a perceptive new teacher, Mr. Daniels, recognizes her struggles as dyslexia. With his encouragement and the help of a few loyal, quirky friends, Ally starts to see her own creative strengths. This warm and uplifting school story resonates with readers who have ever felt misunderstood, celebrating individuality and the power of acceptance.

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  • Cover of The Village by the Sea

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    by Anita Desai

    In a small fishing village in India, young siblings Lila and Hari face severe hardship. With their mother seriously ill and their father struggling with alcoholism, the children must shoulder the burden of keeping the family together. Hari eventually leaves for Bombay in search of work, while Lila manages life at home. It is a poignant, grounded story of resilience, sibling bonds, and hope amidst economic struggle, giving young readers a vivid look at rural life and modern change.

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  • Cover of Asha & the Spirit Bird

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    Asha & the Spirit Bird

    by Jasbinder Bilan

    Living in the foothills of the Himalayas, Asha worries when money stops arriving from her father in the city. When a ruthless moneylender threatens to take their family home, Asha sets off on a dangerous trek across the mountains to find him, accompanied by her best friend Jeevan. Guided by a majestic bird that she believes carries the spirit of her grandmother, Asha faces harsh wilderness and real danger. It is an atmospheric, deeply felt adventure rich in Indian culture and strong family bonds.

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is My Side of the Mountain for?
My Side of the Mountain suits children aged 9–14. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is My Side of the Mountain appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: What should my child read after My Side of the Mountain?
Try Anne of Green Gables, Rules and Pax. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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