Trash Mountain

by Jane Yolen

This you should Gray squirrels are almost always larger, faster, and more aggressive than reds. They out-eat the reds and out-breed them. Science says the grays will eventually win.

Nutley is a young red squirrel. For most of his life, he's been content to live on local seeds and the cautious wisdom of his parents. But like so many young squirrels before him, he feels the call of the wild (and the hazelnuts) beyond the safety of his family's own tree. Nutley wonders what it would be like to be Dangerous, like the growing band of gray squirrels that roam his neighborhood.

Nature, which is truly red in tooth and claw, forces Nutley to find out if he's cut out for a life of danger. He must flee his familiar tree for the smelly shelter of the local landfill. There, with the help of some unlikely allies, he might just be able to make a stand against the grays.

This you should No matter what scientists say is almost always true, the exceptions are almost always the best stories.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Animals, Young Adult, Friendship, Childrens, Fiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2014

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Cheryl]

This takes place in Britain, where Gray Squirrels are an invasive species that carry (but are immune to) a pox. Many readers object to the science and metaphorical racism in the book. I'm not at all sure that it's as "Black & White" as many reviews claim. Yolen is a birder and nature-lover and I have confidence that she's studied the science herself.

But hey, if you want to go with metaphor, consider this: Could the Red Squirrels stand for the indigenous Americans, and Grays for the White colonialists? Well, it's worth thinking about.

In any case, the Rats and Gulls are drawn believably, not stereotypically, and not as wicked as usually drawn. And the adventures, while at many times intense, are fun.

I would use this in education, if I lived in Britain or anywhere else where Grays and Reds lived near one another. We would research the science of the decline of the Reds ourselves, and of the science of Gulls, Flying Squirrels, Rats, Owls, and landfills. Also we would watch the squirrels in our yard or at our park, and see for ourselves their behaviors.

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing but heartwarming

A story about a young red squirrel seems like it ought to be cute. This story is not cute, but it is, in the end heartwarming. It’s the story of Nutley, a young red squirrel, and several other creatures who overcome adversity by working together despite not normally being friendly toward one another. And this all because one helped Nutley and then Nutley helped the other. They were indebted to one another, but had also had their prejudices about the others squashed. Thus, they continued to help each other when needed.

[Patricia Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I bought this book because animal fantasy is one of my favorite genres (especially when it involves rodents, and then especially when those rodents are squirrels). However, it turned out to be a complete disappointment. It is outrageous how much Britain's gray squirrels are vilified in the media, and this book is no exception. From what I've heard, it all mainly comes from propaganda spread by people who have monetary interest in killing these innocent animals. The real reason for the red squirrels' decline is habitat loss from human activity (in-depth information can be found at these websites: http://www.grey-squirrel.org.uk/ and http://www.i-csrs.com/). I was surprised that such a book could come from as good an author as Jane Yolen, and it is alarming that a story aimed at impressionable children could be so consistently negative toward a species of animal. The supposed facts - actually falsehoods - throughout will do nothing but mislead them and cause gray squirrels to be the objects of undeserved hatred. It would have been much better if Nutley had learned that they are not so bad after all. A possible friendship between he and the gray squirrel Groundling is promising at first but is never allowed to develop. Nutley's view of the grays does not change; the reader is left with the conclusion that all of them are irredeemably evil. Ultimately, no matter their part in driving the red squirrel from Britain, they are certainly not doing anything out of malice; in reality, they aren't directly attacking the reds and in some cases have lived peacefully alongside them for years. Grays and reds have at times actually shared dreys! I know this book is fictionalized, but even with anthropomorphized animals, there should be some basis in truth and a positive message for children. You won't find that here. Instead, I recommend you pick up Cyril's Woodland Quest, a story about red and grey squirrels that addresses the folly of prejudices.

[Lili · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely disappointing...especially coming from a wonderful author like Jane Yolen. While based on scientific fact that non-indigenous gray squirrels are pushing out red squirrels in England, this whole book is an unintentional allegory supporting racism: Grey squirrels are murderous bullies, seagulls and rats are dirty, filthy jerks, and red squirrels are just perfect in every way. I was hoping while reading this, it would culminate with the realization that the stereotyping of an entire "race" is incorrect, but it did not. Yes, I do realize that I may be reading too much into it, but seeing the other reviews here, I'm apparently not the only one. Nature is brutal, yes, but when personifying animals for a children's story, you of course are going to make the human connection. Will children read that much into it? I'm not sure...but, at the very least, what I am sure is that they can easily come to the assumption that gray squirrels are horrible and should be destroyed, that the only way to solve differences is with violence, and that its a good idea to hide in an abandoned washing machine and close the door to get away from your foes. There have been other wonderful books that used animals involved in survival battles (Poppy by Avi, as an example), but when done right, it came down to basic survival based on natural cycles of life (food webs, territory protection, etc). Trash Mountain turns an entire group of animals (based on color, mind you) into total murderous bullies for no reason. Its very easy to take the color issue one step further, and many children will do so.

[Andréa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really just did not like this book. My main problem with it was the treatment of the different types of animals, especially since the term "race" was used to refer to the different types of squirrels. Few people would be ok with a children's book that states (and reaffirms through the plot) that one race of people was bad, devious, violent, and otherwise terrible, no exceptions, yet somehow it's acceptable when the characters are squirrels instead of humans? I was hoping this would turn out to be a story in which a character's prejudices are overturned by first-hand experience, but it's not. The main character has certain beliefs about gray squirrels, sea gulls, and rats that are, for the most part, confirmed throughout the course of the book. Even when individual rats and gulls help him or display one or two characteristics inconsistent with his original ideas about them, the overall impression of those animals still fits within his preconceived notions.

When you read this book, try substituting "human" for "squirrel" or replacing "gray" and "red" with "black" and "white" and then see how you feel about the lessons this story is teaching children. I generally like Jane Yolen, but I'm disappointed with this book.

Note: I received an ARC from the publisher.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upper elementary novel, fascinating new info about the difference between red and gray squirrels, clever story, illustrated and generally a very good book. For students who love animals, I don't love books where the narrator is an animal, but Jane Yolen is an amazing writer.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not at all what I expected. I basically picked it up because of the cover with the cute red squirrel. I've always liked squirrels and the cute illustrations are the ONLY good part of this book. Basically the storyline is Nutley, a young red squirrel, doesn't understand why the grey squirrels get the best food/homes/etc. and decides to try to make friends with them. When he does they attack him and leave him for dead, then the next day they come back and kill his parents. When I read that I was like WTF?! This is a children's book?! Nutley vows revenge on the greys. He winds up in the dump which the local animals call Trash Mountain. There he meets a rat named Naw and a seagull named Larie. While his parents always told him that rats and seagulls were stupid and of no value, Nutley realizes that might not always be the case. Nutley realizes that across the street from Trash Mountain is a grove of hazelnut trees, but soon he also realizes they are the territory of the gang of grey squirrels that attacked him and killed his parents. One night when Nutley is trying get some hazelnuts they attack him again and come to Trash Mountain looking to finish him off. There his newfound rat and seagull friends help him out and a grey squirrel/rat/seagull battle takes place.

I was hoping this book would show Nutley making friends with some of the grey squirrels and realizing that not everyone who's not like you is not the enemy. I was REALLY surprised at how the grey squirrels were characterized. I was also really surprised at the fact that Nutley decides to live on Trash Mountain instead of the hazelnut trees - especially once the Trash Mountain animals take care of the gang of evil grey squirrels. I would not recommend this book to ANYONE - it was pretty terrible and did not really have any kind of redeeming good message. The only plus is the cute illustrations which don't work with the violent story at all.

If you want a GOOD children's book series with squirrels as characters try the Mistmantle series or the Redwall books.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor young Nutley a small red squirrel has a taste for danger, quite a problem when living among larger, unfriendly, aggressive "gray squirrels." Reading one of Jane Yolen's fascinating scientific inquiry double spreads sprinkled throughout the story, it becomes clear that "introduced species" can sometimes damage an ecosystem. Gray squirrels were described as an "introduced species" by Nutley's father as he warned him against approaching them. In his naivete Nutley does not heed his father's advice, and barely survives. Before long young he finds himself a new home, residing on Trash Mountain, which he inhabits with rats and gulls. The wire encased home that Nutley assumes is safe from intruders proves otherwise. This tale of danger, bravery, and friendship is beautifully told, as unlikely friendships develop. The detailed ink illustrations throughout the story are expressively charming. Readers with a scientific mind and a bit of imagination will appreciate watching young Nutley develop into a strong, resourceful, and kind squirrel through many death defying skirmishes.

[Darcie Saunier · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was so NOT what I expected. It was filled with brutal violence, horrible bullying, murder of the main character's parents in front of that very young character, numerous deaths, racial stereotyping, etc. I can't believe a children's author would even suggest that one of the characters should hide in an abandoned washing machine and actually close the door! WHY would she plant that seed in her young reader's mind?!?! What if a child acted upon that idea, became trapped, and died? As a children's librarian in a public library, I would not recommend this book to any child.

[Anna]

I picked this up for my 4th grader since I recognized the author from the series of "How do Dinosaurs..." He liked it but warned me that it was very sad. After reading the other reviews, I wondered if I should have read it first before giving it to my son. I asked him what one of the themes of the book was and he said, "don't give up." So there's that.

[Hanna Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why this book has such an overall low rating on Goodreads. I found it to be completely charming and a really fun, quick read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone of any age and especially to those who love animals.

[Mae Dragoni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed the book, seemed a bit violent for a kids book, but I liked the tale. It was a short read and had some charming moments. It dealt with some adult themes in a way kids should be able to understand it.

[Elias Nahas · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is this little squirrel that has no parents and is trying to survive from. His enemy's that are trying to survive eliminate him. There is this battle between the rats and the squirrels enemy the squirrels friend tells him to go to trash mountain he goes there but his enemy find him he fought one of the Emmys and thought that since his enemy didn't kill him then why should he kill him? After that the heroic squirrel is celebrated by the rats

This is an AMAZING BOOK I chose this book for my book report and it is amazing I may be an 11 year old but I understand slot in this book and it taught me to be brave in everything I do and it's good that you have it a try but it sucks when you don't try Jane Yolen has inspired me and got my attention ever since a read a book I hated books but my parents have me this book to read and when I finally finished reading it just made me feel in loved with books. I am willing to read this author s books!

[William · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give it 3.5. The story seems to have the potential for deep social commentary about society, differences, even races, but it fell short. The rats, the gulls, the gray squirrels, and the reds, with some unlikely friendships and a trash pile with a laundry appliance at the summit.

When one of the gray squirrels was unconscious, our red squirrel protagonist Nutley considered whether he should "gnaw his head off." I'm not sure why that visual was required. The book does have a dark side to interspecies relations.

Well, we did finish it. Next!

[ReadBecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit sad but inventive animal story. Reminded me a little of Angel Catbird in that it is a simple story with informative squirrel tidbits inserted between chapters.

Nutley is a young red squirrel who naively thinks he might befriend grey squirrels, but when he tries he's attacked. Quickly he becomes a target that leaves him orphaned (that escalated quickly...), so early on he has to leave his home and head to trash mountain (a trash dump if you hadn't got that). There he meets other animal groups who live off the trash, faces danger and finds his courage.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many layers to this story: environmental conservation, tolerance, kindness, consideration,acceptance. Nutley is a red squirrel who is bullied by gray squirrels. After his parents die in an attack and he is left alone, he finds himself up agains rats, seagulls, and waste dumps. He learns to survive by rethinking what he was taught about other animals- perhaps not all other species are the enemy.

This would be a great book for classroom discussion.

[Joyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story to read aloud with my 8 year old. There is a very sad part where some grey squirrels cause a death to occur. Be aware if you are going to read this with a youngster. We loved the scientific details that were interspersed with the story for each chapter. We also enjoyed the lessons that could carry over into every day life for people. Nutley is a favorite character as well as Larie. Hope you enjoy it too!

[pati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe this story to be allegorical to the invasion of the new world. Indigenous people were exposed to disease, cruelty and expected to live on "wastelands". At first there is plenty to share, but the greedies keep wanting and expecting more and eventually they even lay claim to the "wastelands"

Then again, it could just be about good versus evil and the good prevailing in the end!

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Environmental lit for young readers. Those looking for an animal story in which the animals are neither cute nor cuddly should like this story about a red squirrels, grey squirrels, rats and gulls. This is an animal story in which the animals actions are driven by the need for survival.

[Camryn Boersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story about an unlikely little hero.

[Caren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story of the red Squirrel’s peril.
Britain
4-6

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Would not recommend this to anyone

[Rachel Y. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book while picking out my kids weekly library books. It was cute although kinda sad at times and much more intense in the fighting scenes than I expected. Cute short read.

[Beth Kakuma-Depew · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, as an American, I'm used to squirrels being variations of grey to reddish grey, and acting crazy about nuts. I always thought that Beatrice Potter's cute small squirrels with long ear tuffs were an invention of her imagination. But NO. Those cute small red squirrels are a native British species that's threatened by invasive American Grey squirrels. This is a real ecological problem.

But Jane Yolen has written this issue into an animal story. 20th century fiction has a long standing tradition of using animals as stand-ins for culture/race issues. Maybe if she treated the grey squirrels like Annoying American Celebrities, rather than an immigrant race, this would come off as less xenophobic.

Also, I love Chris Monroe's picture books, but her thin line drawings are a bit chaotic in black and white.

[Suzze Tiernan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard to recommend, too much violence and death.

[V · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems conflicted about what it wants to be.

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

red squirrels vs. gray squirrels

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wonder if kids will get the message. And I am no longer particularly fond of gray squirrels.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite an unfortunate title, this is a really nice children's novel that has an unlikely hero and an unlikely friendship.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a cute, predictable animal story that has some non-fictional info thrown in. It was ok. I didn't cry, so it only gets the 2 stars.