Lost on a Mountain in Maine by Donn Fendler

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 gripping true story of survival has captivated readers for generations, and it hits especially close to home here in Maine. Based on the harrowing 1939 experience of a real boy lost on Mount Katahdin, Lost on a Mountain in Maine is a testament to human resilience and the will to survive against impossible odds. Young Donn’s journey through dense forests, across rushing streams, and over treacherous terrain—armed with nothing but his wits and determination—will keep readers of all ages turning pages late into the night.

Perfect for young readers who crave adventure and adults who remember the thrill of their first survival story, this classic tale reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s pushing forward despite it. The straightforward, honest prose puts you right there in the wilderness alongside Donn, feeling every moment of fear, hope, and ultimate triumph.

Whether you’re a Maine native, a visitor to our beautiful state, or simply someone who loves an unforgettable true story, this book belongs on your shelf. It’s the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

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