Blue Mountain

Starred review from September 22, 2014
Tuk is a bighorn sheep, born to lead his herd at a time when they are threatened by predators and a decreased food supply. He is one of the few sheep to have glimpsed the fabled Blue Mountain—“The stories say that there the meadows are knee-deep in grass, the streams are never dry, and that man never goes there”—and he believes that moving there is the key to saving the bighorn. Others in the herd disagree, but Tuk is guided by the stories of his ancestors, legends Leavitt (My Book of Life by Angel) intersperses throughout the text, and he sets off with a band of followers to find Blue Mountain. Challenges and obstacles arise, but Tuk meets them all, growing into a true leader. 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. Readers will see parts of themselves in Tuk as he struggles to form his identity and accept his limitations. Ages 8–12. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

Starred review from August 15, 2014
A middle-grade story rich in natural setting and life lessons. Tuk is the largest bighorn sheep lamb to be born in many seasons, and matriarch Kenir feels this may be an omen. For years, the winter valley Tuk's herd depends on for survival has become more and more constricted by humans. The once-plentiful grass has been overgrazed by domesticated sheep, which also bring disease. But Tuk, a visionary, sees a blue mountain in the far distance, and when he becomes a yearling, he leads a small group of fellow yearlings on a quest to find it. Braving wolves, pumas, wolverines and bears, the fledgling band finds the mythical mountain, and in true hero's-journey fashion, Tuk returns to his old herd to lead them there, thus ensuring everyone's survival. With its lyrical language ("The loon called, and Tuk wondered if his life was not only one thing, and not only his"), this story of a bighorn sheep who dares to see beyond the well-worn path is not only archetypal in content, but rewarding in narrative. Leavitt tells the story from the animals' point of view, giving each of them a sturdy character-whether it be brave or wise or, in the case of the ingenuous Mouf, a hilarious cluelessness. A timeless yet fresh story that beautifully connects readers to the natural world. (Fantasy. 8-14)

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August 1, 2014

Gr 3-6-Tuk may not have a golden fleece, but in this middle grade novel about bighorn sheep, he is the golden child: one who will lead his herd to better grazing grounds. Larger and stronger than others born his year, Tuk can see a promised land-a blue mountain over the horizon, where man has not yet encroached. His vision is put to the test when the herd's winter feeding grounds are paved over and Tuk must lead a small band of bighorn sheep to this storied place. With his guidance, the sheep overcome the many obstacles in their path, including steep trails, bogs, men, wolverines, bears, pumas, clever otters, and wolves. While some of the animal characters lack depth, kids will nevertheless be caught up in the thrilling adventure. An author's note explains how Leavitt was inspired to write this story based on her father's studies of the breed and her own research. This uncomplicated story would pair well with a factual book on bighorn sheep and the alpine biome.-Marie Drucker, Malverne Public Library, NY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
Grades 4-7 Tuk is the biggest bighorn sheep born in his herd for years, and the matriarch of their herd predicts great things for him, particularly when he spots the storied Blue Mountain in the distance, a legendary peak where it's rumored that no humans live. When resources in their usual territory dwindle, and buildings and roads encroach on their mountain valleys, Tuk convinces a small band of bighorns, each with a distinct personality and voice, to make the risky trek to the blue, snow-covered peak. In spare, lyrical language recalling classic folktales, Leavitt tells the story of Tuk's journey, including run-ins with deadly predators and dangerous environments. Tuk faces each obstacle with bravery and cleverness, outsmarting haughty animals to safely bring each bighorn to the beautiful mountain, which is exactly as idyllic as the stories say. 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, such as Jean Craighead George's Ice Whale (2014).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)