Lost on a Mountain in Maine [Hardcover]

Donn Fendler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1993 | ISBN-10: 0844667722 | ISBN-13: 978-0844667720 | Edition: 1St Edition

When twelve-year-old Donn Fendler gets tired of waiting for his father and brothers to join him on the summit of Maine's highest peak, he decides to find his own way back to camp. But Donn doesn't count on a fast-moving fog that obscures the path. He doesn't count on falling down an embankment that hides him from sight. And he doesn't count on taking a turn that leaves him alone to wander aimlessly for nearly two weeks in the empty mountain wilderness.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

Fifty years ago, at the age of twelve, Donn Fendler was lost for nine days on Mt. Katahdin in Maine. With no food, no shelter, the boy survived by remembering his Boy Scout skills and by drawing on his faith in himself, his family and God. Amon Purinton, who is twelve-years-old himself, does a superb job of pulling the listener into this terrifying story. The listener becomes cold and hungry along with the young hero and wants to shout encouragement and advice to him. The production does include background sound effects which can be an intrusion for some listeners. This is a wonderful treat for all ages, but it's a particularly valued addition to the family listening library. S.G. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Peter Smith Pub Inc; 1St Edition edition (December 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0844667722
• ISBN-13: 978-0844667720
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,689,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Donn Fendler is still a "hero" in the eyes of 4th graders, January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lost on a Mountain in Maine (Paperback)

As a fourth grade teacher, my class reads this book every year as part of a survival unit. One year, the students wrote letters to Donn Fendler asking questions and praising his bravery. To my surprise and pleasure, he sent back an 18 page letter addressing every child by name and individually answering their questions. It is a book and an experience they will never forget. Talk about bringing a book to life!!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a story!, October 3, 2005

By 

unclehud (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lost on a Mountain in Maine (Paperback)

Honestly, I first read this book when I was 12 years old -- 36 years ago -- and the imagery, narration, emotions, and explanatory footnotes are still with me. I hike and backpack a lot, and thanks to Donn Fendler, do so with the utmost respect for Mother Nature. Kid's book? Ha! This is fabulous reading for anyone who spends time in the woods.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On a mile-high mountain in the wilderness, July 29, 2008

By 

Linda Bulger (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lost! on a Mountain in Maine (Audio CD)

Mt. Katahdin, at 5268 feet, is the northern terminus of the Appalachian trail and the tallest mountain in Maine. Though it's a much-climbed mountain at the center of the popular Baxter State Park, its wildness and danger should never be underestimated.

In 1939, twelve-year-old Donn Fendler was climbing Katahdin with a party including his father and brother. Reaching the summit with a friend ahead of the main party, he was cold and bored and decided to go back to meet his father. He lost the trail in fog, and spent a grueling nine days in rugged terrain on the north side of Katahdin before finding his way out to a hunting and fishing camp. The press was full of the search for young Donn and his rescue was celebrated with headlines, a parade, and a chance to meet the President of the United States.

Donn credited his Boy Scout training and his faith in God with bringing him through the ordeal. His shoes and then his feet were cut to shreds on the rough stone outcroppings; he was tormented by insects, frightened by a bear, tumbled in an icy river. His "dungarees" were impossible to walk in, once wet, and he lost them. He suffered from cold, hunger, loneliness and hallucinations. Toward the end of his ordeal Donn followed telephone wires and a stream, knowing that both would eventually lead him to what civilization there was in the great woods of Maine. Though he lost 16 pounds and was severely cut and bitten, he made a full recovery.

The boy's story, as told to James Egan, was published later in 1939 and has been a beloved family and school classic in Maine since that time. Fendler himself still visits schools and libraries to tell his story. Generations of Maine children have learned a lesson of courage, faith and will from Lost! on a Mountain in Maine. This audio presentation is engagingly read by another twelve-year-old, Amon Purinton. I recommend this story for family listening or reading.

Linda Bulger, 2008