One idea could be that Sam meets another hermit in the mountains who has a completely different way of living off the land. They could exchange knowledge and Sam might learn new survival skills.
I think it is. 'My Side of the Mountain' presents a fictional story set within a historical context, featuring aspects such as the way of life and challenges of that era, which are common traits of historical fiction.
An old mountain man who has been living in a different part of the mountain for decades. He could be a bit of a mystery at first, with his own set of rules and traditions. Sam could meet him during one of his explorations and they could share stories of their experiences in the wilderness. The old man could also teach Sam some ancient survival techniques that have been passed down through generations.
One idea could be to have the main character discover a hidden cave filled with ancient Native American artifacts. This would add a new layer of mystery and adventure to the story.
A wise old owl that can talk. It could give the main character advice on how to better survive in the forest, like where to find the best berries during different seasons or how to predict bad weather. This magical element would make the fan fiction more unique.
The main character is Sam Gribley, a young boy who decides to run away from his crowded home in New York City to live in the Catskill Mountains on his own.
Well, I think the theme is independence. In 'My Side of the Mountain Novel', the protagonist ventures out alone into the mountains. He has to rely on his own skills and knowledge. He learns to be independent from his family and society, making his own decisions and facing the consequences. It shows how a person can grow when they are on their own in a natural and challenging environment.