Summary:
Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a nonfiction chapter book by Donn Fendler who writes about his own experiences. This book tells the true story of young Don as he leaves his Boy Scout Troop for a few minutes during their hike through the Katahdin mountains. Don tries to find his way back for hours but he eventually becomes too tired to search any further. Days and days go by and Don has to learn to survive on his own amidst rainstorms, bears, starvation, and the overwhelming fear of being lost forever. Finally, Don finds telephone wires and a stream and follows them hoping they will lead him to civilization. He reaches safety and though he is in very poor shape, he makes a full recovery and goes on to share his inspiring story of survival with others.

Response:
I really enjoyed this book which surprised me a little because I am not usually the biggest fan of nonfiction. However, it was very interesting and had me at the edge of my seat. It was hard to believe that such a young boy was able to survive so much hardship but his story is so inspiring and taught me so much. I think many children can relate to Don's situation in that they have also felt scared, lost and alone. Although probably not to the same extent, it is still an important story that I think can help children feel less afraid and know what to do in scary situations like Don's.

How I would use it:
This is a more advanced book that does not really relate to speech-language pathology so I probably would not use it in therapy. However, I may recommend it to older clients who might be working on reading and writing skills. It may also be a good book to have parents read to their children or I might recommend it to a client's teacher so they could incorporate it into the curriculum for the client.

In this book Donn Fendler writes about his amazing survival adventure on Mount Katahdin. It includes Suspense, Action, and mystery of whats going to happen next. Overall a good book but not my favorite. I recommend that every person that lives in Maine read this book.

My grandmother had this book on her bookshelves when I was a child and recommended it to me a number of times. Every time, I would find something else I wanted to read more and would return it to her without even opening it. Well, now I am blessed with that 1939 edition from her shelves and, whaddya know, Grandmother knew what she was talking about!

This boy's story is amazing! Nine days in the Maine wilderness with nothing, and he lives to tell about it! Surely, he is a lesson in determination and keeping your head, as he calls it. Also, this story teaches us of the power of hope. Every day, Donn just knew he would find a camp or somehow be rescued. Otherwise, as he states, he couldn't have kept going.

I really like the way this story is told, too. The word choices and verbal mannerisms are in keeping with how a 12-year-old boy would talk. Through his telling and through his actions in the book, I really get a sense for who Donn Fendler is.

The most touching part of this story to me is Donn's nightly prayers. Here he is, lost and desperate, and he prays for his parents to be okay and not to worry. I don't suppose this would have affected me if I'd read the book back when my grandmother offered it to me, but now, as a parent with sons of my own, this part makes me cry.

I highly recommend this book, and have added it to my list of required reading for my 5th grader.

What an incredible story of survival!

This book is about a twelve year named Donn Fendler who gets lost on Mt. Katahdin because of the fog now has to find his dad and camp. Donn is struggling to survive with his peeling skin, no food and body getting weaker by the minute. For two weeks Donn has to struggle to survive alone in the wilderness. Scavenging for berries that he can rarely find. Storms cross his path and without shoes and pants his chances of survival become slim. This was a great book with a lot of cliff-hangers and unimaginable twist that keep you attached to this book. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend

Excellent listen as the recording from audio bookshelf is dramatized. Fantastic for children to listen to, as I plan to do

Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a true story. Donn Fendler goes hiking at Mountain Katahdin with his family. When they were hiking, he was separated from his family. For the next days, he struggles to find his way through and lives off of little food until someone comes to his rescue.

As a mom, I was desperate to get to the end of this book. Then I bawled. My husband grew up visiting the family cabin near Katahdin and we will take our kids for the first time in a few weeks. So we read this book together as a family and they are so excited to see the mountain soon!

My dad read this book to my brothers and me before our family hike on Katahdin when we were young. It was a good way to encourage us not to stray from the trail! A nice true adventure book/warning for wandering kids.

I spent much of my childhood growing up in Maine, and Donn Fendler is pretty much a legend. To read this book as a kid and imagine myself surviving on my own with nothing but my wits and my faith was extremely impactful.

10/10 a great story, short and more than worth the time.

Just like the Blizzard of January 12, 1888, that was recounted in Melanie Benjamin's book The Children's Blizzard, I had never heard of this historical event either.

However, once the movie is made by Sylvester Stallone's production company, many more people will learn about 12 year old Donn Felder's "harrowing journey through nature's unforgiving terrain."

I can see why this book is mandatory reading in elementary schools in Maine. There are many valuable lessons to be learned-especially regarding the importance of faith in God and family and oneself. That is why I am going to pass this book on to my grandchildren to read.

It's a juvenile non-fiction, so a quick and easy read. I spent a lot of time at the base of Mt. Katahdin as a child. It was almost like my gramps was reading it to me. A powerful story of faith and survival!