My Side of the Mountain

Chapters 1-5

Reading Check

1. Miss Turner (Chapter 3)

2. A map (Chapter 4)

3. A tree house (Chapters 4-5)

Short Answer

1. At first Sam is scared during the snowstorm and considers running back to his apartment in New York, but later he becomes proud that he is able to survive the storm. Dangers that may be associated with snowstorms include hypothermia, frostbite, and falling branches. (Chapter 1)

2. Sam describes his great-grandfather who attempted to build a farm in the Catskill Mountains. When he failed, his father said, “the land is no place for a Gribley.” What Sam’s father likely means is that the Gribleys are not properly equipped to survive on their own in the wilderness. Sam’s father disagrees with Sam’s decision to live on the land on his own. He laughs at Sam when Sam reveals his plans to do so. (Chapter 1)

3. Sam first encounters Bill after he catches fish but is unable to make a fire to cook them. He approaches Bill’s home, asking for help, and Bill teaches Sam how to build a fire. Fire building will be essential for Sam’s survival so that he can cook and keep warm in the mountains.