There are many similarities and differences. First, there is the jailbreak scene. In the novel, Miles works mainly as a blacksmith. Also, Angus Tuck isn't in jail with Mae. When Tuck, Miles, Jesse and Winnie arrive at the jail, there is a storm. Miles unscrews the bolts holding the bars in place, and Mae Tuck squeezes out after the bars are removed. While in the movie Tuck is in jail with Mae and Winnie runs to the jail banging