Blue Mountain (Hardcover)
Staff Reviews
Humankind is encroaching on the winter valley; food has grown scarce and predators are many. Guided by the legends passed down by his ancestors, Tuk, the largest lamb born into a herd of bighorn sheep, is driven to lead a small group of fellow yearlings in search of the safety and plentitude of the fabled Blue Mountain. Facing danger along the way Tuk confronts each with cleverness and bravery, growing with every encounter into the leader that he was destined to be. Inspired by the research journals of her father, Martine Leavitt weaves a lyrical story rich in details of the natural world.
— From Betsy's BestTuk the bighorn sheep is told he will be the one to save his herd, but he is young and would rather play with his bandmates than figure out why the herd needs saving. As humans encroach further and further into their territory, there is less room for the sheep to wander, food becomes scarce, and the herd's very survival is in danger. Tuk and his friends set out to find Blue Mountain, a place that Tuk sometimes sees far in the distance and thinks might be a better home. The journey is treacherous, filled with threatening pumas and bears and dangerous lands, leading Tuk down a path that goes against every one of his instincts. Still, Tuk perseveres, reaching Blue Mountain and leading his herd into a new, safe place.
“The book celebrates the power of story and beauty of the bighorn sheep's mountain world.” —The Horn Book
“* A middle-grade story rich in natural setting and life lessons . . a timeless yet fresh story that beautifully connects readers to the natural world.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Thrilling adventure.” —School Library Journal
“With a quiet tone and deliberate pace punctuated by moments of tense action, this will likely be a good fit for fans of animal stories.” —Booklist
“The lyrical prose and gravity of Tuk's quest lend a mythic feel to this memorable and graceful story, which also examines violence and environmental concerns.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“* Readers will see parts of themselves in Tuk as he struggles to form his identity and accept his limitations” —Publishers Weekly, starred review