Blue Mountain Hardcover – October 28, 2014

Martine Leavitt takes a detour from her young adult novels about the challenges facing today’s youth (poverty, addiction, and abuse) to write a fun, playful novel that her grandchildren can enjoy.Inspired by her father’s fascination with nature and wildlife, Leavitt weaves together a colorful story about the courageous journey of a young bighorn sheep named Tuk. Determined to save his herd from encroaching human civilization, Tuk sets off with his loyal bandmates towards legendary blue mountain. Along the way, he encounters dangers in the form of wolves, wolverines, bears, pumas, and humans. He also makes allies in unlikely places.Leavitt’s novel considers the timely issue of man’s effect on wildlife and the natural world. In the novel, humans are the most sophisticated antagonists that seek to thwart Tuk and his bandmates from reaching their destination.The novel also explores the themes of friendship, perseverance, and creativity. The ills of vanity are addressed through an encounter with a conceited and uncooperative elk. Interactions with a wolverine demonstrate the power of recognizing and respecting others that are different from ourselves.Though the story’s large cast of characters bring variety to the novel, I experienced difficulty in keeping track of all the characters and names. I also felt that story is, at times, too predictable. I was, hover, impressed by the character development of Tuk as he overcame his weaknesses and grew to be a respected leader over his bandmates and ultimately his herd.Aimed at a younger audience than Leavitt’s other works, Blue Mountain is a beautifully written novel that will capture the imaginations of animal enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates creative storytelling. The novel’s rhythmic, lyrical prose and powerful environmental message make for an enjoyable, compelling story.

I am twenty-three years old and had to read a book for an English lecture series that I was taking at the University. We had to read a book by one of the writers that came in to speak to us. Martine Leavitt was one of the writers who came in to speak to us. I chose to read her book called “Blue Mountain”. Blue Mountain was a fun book to read. Though it was written for younger readers I still very much enjoyed it. Tuk, a young bighorn sheep and one of the main characters in the story tries to save his herd by leading them to a new, safer mountain on which to live. The herd is dying. Many disbelieve Tuk that such a mountain even exits. Tuk knows it does, because he has seen it. Despite opposition Tuk acts on what he knows to be right and true. In the end even the naysayers are blessed as a result of his action and leadership. Tuk wins friends by serving the herd. He is kind and unselfish. He makes sacrifices for others at his own peril. Reflecting on the book, I feel motivated to be kinder to others and look to see who might need my protection or friendship. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a light, quick read that also has a good moral to the story. Martine Leavitt also included in the book clever stories for why certain animals live the way they do or the place they do.

A lovely story, beautifully told. Martine Leavitt has the most beautiful language.

This was a gift.

Very pleased/

Blue Mountain by Martine Leavitt is told by Tuk, who is a Bighorn sheep! At first, life is good--running, jumping and playing. However, when Tuk becomes the leader of the herd, he must find a safe place for them or all will be lost.This book was a National Book Award finalist. So that should give you some idea of just how good this is. The author wrote this book for her grandchildren, but I think young and old will enjoy it like I did!

This is a children’s book about how longhorn rams must find new mountains to live on when their habitat is destroyed. The rams talk to each other as well as some of their predators who make appearances through the book. I learned a bit about longhorns, such as they are peaceful animals, but I got bored about halfway through. Maybe a kid would like it, just not for me. My husband loved it though and thought it was great.