Through the years, Fendler himself visited schools and libraries to share his experiences, and generations of Maine children have learned lessons about courage, faith, and will from Lost on a Mountain in Maine. Toward the end of his ordeal Donn followed telephone wires and a stream, hoping that both would eventually lead him to what civilization there was in the great woods of Maine.ĭonn’s harrowing story, as told to Joseph Burke Egan, who was an author and I think a journalist, apparently was first published later in 1939 and has been a beloved family and school classic in Maine since that time. He suffered from cold, hunger, loneliness, and hallucinations. His “dungarees” were impossible to walk in, once wet, and he lost them. He was tormented by insects, encountered a bear, and tumbled in an icy river. His shoes and then his feet were cut to shreds on the rough stone outcroppings. With no food and no shelter, Donn survives by remembering his Boy Scout skills and by drawing on his faith in himself, his family, and God. For years I saw it advertised in the Christian Book Distributors catalogue and finally decided to purchase it to read as a family read aloud. This book is Donn’s own description of his struggles to survive after being separated from his companions, as told to Joseph B. Will he make it to his camp or be found by the others? Then he takes a wrong turn that leaves him alone to wander aimlessly for nine days in the empty mountain wilderness. Donn falls down an embankment that hides him from sight. Unfortunately, a thick, fast-moving fog obscures the path. Henry cautions him against doing so and remains with Mr. Donn gets cold and decides to find his own way back to camp rather than wait for the rest. Henry and Donn run ahead and meet another climber, Charles Austin, minister with the Church of All Nations in New York City, NY. Katahdin, at 5268 feet the highest peak in the state of Maine, with his father, brothers Tom and Ryan, and guide Henry Condon. In this true story, Donn Fendler is a twelve-year-old boy in 1939. Box 1111, Camden, ME 04843 reissued in 1992 by Beech Tree Books, a division of William Morrow and Company Inc., 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York City, NY 10019). Co., Somersworth, NH republished in 1978 by Picton Press, P. Lost on a Mountain in Maine (originally published in c. No other compensation has been received for the reviews posted on Home School Book Review.įor more information e-mail Donn C. (1=nothing objectionable 2=common euphemisms and/or childish slang terms 3=some cursing or profanity 4=a lot of cursing or profanity 5=obscenity and/or vulgarity)ĭisclosure: Any books donated for review purposes are in turn donated to a library. Publisher: Beech Tree Books, republished in 1992

Book lost on a mountain in maine