Squawky Acres Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 My 8-year-old daughter LOVED My Side of the Mountain, and will be starting in on the sequels once I order them. In the meantime, I gave her Julie of the Wolves. She is very interested in wilderness survival-type stories and other dramatic adventures, but she prefers a young female protagonist. She is enjoying Julie of the Wolves, but said that Julie is more of a woman than a girl, and she would really like an adventure about a girl. Does this book exist? Maybe Island of the Blue Dolphins? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Island of the Blue Dolphins was exactly the first thing that came to mind for me. Scott O'Dell has some others that she might like that also have female protagonists... trying to remember what exactly, but I know I read a pile of them at that age. Very different vibe (no survival elements) but she might also like the Calpurnia Tate books. (Note that these books are probably not for young earth Christians as they explore evolution) - there's a ton of naturalist stuff in them. On the nature books theme, Owls in the Family is another good one. And Gone Away Lake. She might also like Gary Paulson's books, like Hatchet, though I think of them as being for a slightly older audience. They're not inappropriate though and they're all survival themed. But also all male protagonists. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sahamamama Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 You could try some of the American Girl series. They were better than I thought they'd be, and my girls loved them at that age. For survival adventures, look especially for the Kaya books, Caroline books, Kirsten books, and Addy books. The other books are fine, too, but these four sets have the most survival-type adventures in them. Girl of the Limberlost -- not exactly a fit, is it? The Courage of Sarah Noble, by Alice Dalgliesh -- not my favorite book, though Calico Bush, by Rachel Field -- a little sad? protagonist is 13 years old Naya Nuki: Shoshone Girl Who Ran, by Kenneth Thomasma -- a girl is captured by another tribe, is enslaved, then runs away (1000 miles of wilderness, alone); I enjoyed this one, and couldn't put it down, but I'm not sure about it for an eight year old? Sarah Whitcher's Story, by Elizabeth Yates Edited to Add: We read and enjoyed the older series of AG books, not the newer series, "BeForever." I don't know for sure, but it seems as though that new series has had some significant changes made to it. I don't know if I would or wouldn't recommend the new series. HTH. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 The Far Side of the Mountain features Sam's sister, though I don't remember how much screentime she gets. Realistic fiction is what you want? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kristie in Florida Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I had no idea there were sequels! I loved My Side of the Mountain as a kid. I also suggest Island of the Blue Dolphins. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Nim's Island and Raven's Mountain both by Wendy Orr 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Ronia, The Robber's Daughter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squawky Acres Posted September 15, 2015 Author Share Posted September 15, 2015 Thank you for the suggestions! She has read and enjoyed The Courage of Sarah Noble, Sarah Whitcher's Story, and many of the American Girl adventure books. I will need to get her The Far Side of the Mountain right away if Sam's sister is in it. That sounds perfect. I have not heard of Ronia, The Robber's Daugher; Nim's Island; Raven's Mountain; Calico Bush or Naya Nuki. I will look them up and get them added to the list if they seem suitable for an 8-year-old. She is reading at a slightly advanced level for her age, as she can really read anything at this point; but she is not mature enough to enjoy adventures and drama of a more psychological nature (she claims nothing is happening). She still needs action and adventure to hold her interest. She seems to most enjoy somewhat realistic adventures, particularly wilderness survival stories, as she spends so much time in the woods with her siblings building shelters and acting out survival stories. I am trying to expand her interests to include stories with male protagonists, so I was thrilled that she enjoyed My Side of the Mountain. Amazon thinks I might also be interested in Daughter of the Mountains and Esperanza Rising. I don't know if you have read any of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eternallytired Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Avi's True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle is historical fiction, but I used it as a read-aloud when I taught B&M school and the kids really liked it. That said, Charlotte is about 12 in the story and ends up being falsely accused of murder at sea; it's a fairly clean book (I read it in a Christian school), but it's pretty intense (she's in danger of a death sentence), so she may or may not be ready for it yet. (It sure is a good read, though--my students loved it!) I also loved Gary Paulsen's books when I was a kid, even though they're about boys. I've read Esperanza Rising, but for whatever reason it didn't stick in my mind, so I guess I'm no help there. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingmama Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 My daughter loved Marro, of the Winter Caves. You might try the "amightygirl" website. They have tons of book selections. The Action/adventure list sounds right up her alley. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Both of my daughters really liked Baby Island by Carol Ryrie Brink. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrysalis Academy Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 I don't know how sensitive she is, but Calico Bush has a horrific scene where a baby is burned in a fire. It would have given my kids serious nightmares. Just a FYI. Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare was a good one, though. Caddie Woodlawn? Swallows and Amazons? Harriet the Spy? My dd liked Esperanza Rising very much at around that age. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Esperanza Rising is a good book, I wouldn't hesitate to put it in her hands. The protagonist is a bit older than your daughter, though, heading into adulthood. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squawky Acres Posted September 15, 2015 Author Share Posted September 15, 2015 She read Baby Island and Caddie Woodlawn last year and loved them. Thanks for the warning about Calico Bush. That might bother her. She is adventurous, but highly sensitive (cried all morning on our vacation, because she thought she had seen someone injuring a baby on the hotel TV -- I think it was supposed to be a joke). I will check out Esperanza Rising. I didn't realize she objected to "older" protagonists. That was a new one, which I think I might ignore. How many wilderness adventure stories are there about 8-year-old girls, anyway? The Mighty Girl website looks really fun. Lots of good lists and resources. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fourisenough Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Hattie Big Sky was a favorite of my older three girls when they were around your DD's age. Very strong female protagonist who makes her own way in Montana, I think. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squawky Acres Posted September 15, 2015 Author Share Posted September 15, 2015 Hi I'm new! I would recommend Mandy by Julie Andrews (yes otherwise known as Mary Poppins) While not survival per-se it is about a girl (10 or so) her finding a house and fixing it up and she has to be very resourceful in how she does things. I loved it at her age and my boys 6, 8, 10 absolutely loved it! I feel it would follow along the themes mentioned very nicely. Hi, welcome! I had not looked at Mandy, but that plot sounds like exactly the type of story my daughter would like. Thank you. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squawky Acres Posted September 16, 2015 Author Share Posted September 16, 2015 Ronia, The Robber's Daughter! What a treasure! I did not realize how many other fabulous books Lindgren wrote. I was only familiar with the Pippi series as a child. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyJoy Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Island of the Blue Dolphins was exactly the first thing that came to mind for me. Scott O'Dell has some others that she might like that also have female protagonists... trying to remember what exactly, but I know I read a pile of them at that age. Sarah Bishop by Scott O'Dell is another strong, survivalist female character. 8 might be too young though...it is set during the revolutionary war and a family member is tarred and feathered. She is also accused of witchcraft (mostly for revenge for spurning a man's attentions as I recall). I read it at 12 and didn't find it to be too much then--I was really into historical fiction/"based on a true story." It might be one to note for later. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holly Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Miracles on Maple Hill might be a good choice. It's more nature than survival, but has a great story. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Speaking of Island of the Blue Dolphins, they think that the cave where the Lone Girl lived has been discovered: http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/29/local/la-me-lone-woman-cave-20121027 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UCF612 Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 I haven't read My Side of the Mountain so I can't say this title is at all similar but we really enjoyed West of the Moon. We listed to it on audio book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbes Posted March 16, 2016 Share Posted March 16, 2016 Another recommendation for Swallows and Amazons. If she likes them, there is an entire series she can dig into. They are huge hits around here and were always a favourite of mine... and I was a lover of adventure-story. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeannpal Posted March 16, 2016 Share Posted March 16, 2016 What a treasure! I did not realize how many other fabulous books Lindgren wrote. I was only familiar with the Pippi series as a child. I was going to suggest some of the other books in the Pippi Longstocking series, like Pippi In the South Seas. These books are on a 5th-6th grade reading level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kalmia Posted March 16, 2016 Share Posted March 16, 2016 (edited) Not a female protagonist, but a wilderness survival. Lost on a Mountain in Maine by Don Fendler http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Mountain-Maine-Donn-Fendler/dp/068811573X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458133422&sr=8-1&keywords=don+fendler+lost+on+a+mountain+in+maine Also: Daughter of the Mountains by Louise Rankin http://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Mountains-Newbery-Library-Puffin/dp/0140363351/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1458134106&sr=1-1&keywords=daughter+of+the+mountains Edited March 16, 2016 by Kalmia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenC Posted March 16, 2016 Share Posted March 16, 2016 Not a girl protagonist, but she might like Timothy of the Cay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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