Dickens & Rumi
Cover of My Side of the Mountain

film

My Side of the Mountain

1969

Thirteen-year-old Sam Gribley, a devotee of Thoreau, decides to leave the city to spend a sabbatical in the Canadian woods and see if he can make it as a self-sufficient spirit after his parents promise a summer trip that doesn't pan out.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? The G-rated family adventure includes wilderness survival, separation from parents, and possible peril, but its tone is generally suitable for children and emphasizes resourcefulness rather than graphic danger. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional scenes of being alone in the wilderness.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Mild survival peril and hunting are present, but violence is limited and non-graphic in this family-rated adventure.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Courage is displayed through persistence and facing the elements.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inspires curiosity about nature and creative problem-solving.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story centers on one white boy and offers limited racial, cultural, identity, or ability diversity, reflecting its 1969 setting.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Features basic survival skills and nature appreciation.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Shows respect for the animals he interacts with.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes self-reliance, respect for nature, and thoughtful independence.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Sam is an intelligent, capable, and determined young man.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in My Side of the Mountain would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in My Side of the Mountain, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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