Reviews

Gr 4-7-Frightful, the peregrine falcon readers first met through the adventures of Sam Gribley in My Side of the Mountain (Dutton, pap. 1988), takes center stage in Frightful's Mountain (Dutton, 1999), the third book of the series by Jean Craighead George. Frightful is held captive by thieves intent on selling her on the black market. Although she is soon rescued by a familiar presence, her journey to adulthood has only begun. Clearly narrated by actor Jeff Woodman in a warm and passionate voice, listeners are drawn into a compelling and thrilling story. Frightful must adapt not only to living on her own as a wild bird, but also learn to survive her competing instincts: those of a wild peregrine falcon who recognizes the urge to mate and raise young, and those of a falcon who was raised and nurtured by a human and craves human companionship. Frightful faces many perils. Although she remains near Sam's territory and encounters him often, this is Frightful's story, and it is compelling from beginning to end. Sam and his sister Alice continue their parallel story, aided by returning and new characters who share their passionate concern for endangered species. Children will cheer the small group of school children who help engineer one of Frightful's rescues. George's descriptive yet simple eloquence and unsentimental style create a cast of animal characters who are each as endearing as Frightful. Forty years after writing My Side of the Mountain, George has succeeded in completing this trilogy with a seamless transition to the present, losing none of the character or authenticity of the earlier books. She has simply added detailsÄsuch as a cellular phone for Bando, and school children who use the word "cool"Äto update a tale that will become a classic.-Debra Bogart, Springfield Public Library, OR Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.