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Banner in the Sky
The Citadel
It stands unconquered, the last great summit of the Alps. Only one man has ever dared to approach the top, and that man died in his pursuit. He was Josef Matt, Rudi Matt's father.
At sixteen, Rudi is determined to pay tribute to the man he never knew, and complete the quest that claimed his father's life. And so, taking his father's red shirt as a flag, he heads off to face the earth's most challenging peak. But before Rudi can reach the top, he must pass through the forbidden Fortress, the gaping chasm in the high reaches of the Citadel where his father met his end. Rudi has followed Josef's footsteps as far as they will take him. Now he must search deep within himself to find the strength for the final ascent to the summit—to plant his banner in the sky.
His father died while trying to climb Switzerland's greatest mountain—the Citadel—and young Rudi knows he must make the assault himself.
It stands unconquered, the last great summit of the Alps. Only one man has ever dared to approach the top, and that man died in his pursuit. He was Josef Matt, Rudi Matt's father.
At sixteen, Rudi is determined to pay tribute to the man he never knew, and complete the quest that claimed his father's life. And so, taking his father's red shirt as a flag, he heads off to face the earth's most challenging peak. But before Rudi can reach the top, he must pass through the forbidden Fortress, the gaping chasm in the high reaches of the Citadel where his father met his end. Rudi has followed Josef's footsteps as far as they will take him. Now he must search deep within himself to find the strength for the final ascent to the summit—to plant his banner in the sky.
His father died while trying to climb Switzerland's greatest mountain—the Citadel—and young Rudi knows he must make the assault himself.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
164 people are currently reading
2611 people want to read
About the author
James Ramsey Ullman
51 books34 followersJames Ramsey Ullman (1907–1971) was an American writer and mountaineer. He was born in New York. He was not a high end climber, but his writing made him an honorary member of that circle. Some of his writing is noted for being "nationalistic," e.g., The White Tower.
The books he wrote were mostly about mountaineering.
His works include Banner in the Sky (which was filmed in Switzerland as Third Man on the Mountain), and The White Tower.
He was the ghost writer for Tenzing Norgay's autobiography Man of Everest (originally published as Tiger of the Snows). High Conquest was the first of nine books for J.B. Lippincott coming out in 1941 followed by The White Tower, River of The Sun, Windom's Way, and Banner in the Sky which was a 1955 Newbery Honor book. All of these titles became major motion pictures.
Ullman also authored John Harlin's biography Straight Up.
He also wrote the short story "Top Man", a story about mountaineers climbing K3, a mountain in India.
Beyond his mountaineering books, he wrote "Where the Bong Tree Grows," an account of a year he spent traveling through some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific.
He joined the American Mount Everest Expedition 1963 as official historian. Because of health problems he had to stay in Kathmandu. The book Americans on Everest: The Official Account of the Ascent was published in 1964.
The books he wrote were mostly about mountaineering.
His works include Banner in the Sky (which was filmed in Switzerland as Third Man on the Mountain), and The White Tower.
He was the ghost writer for Tenzing Norgay's autobiography Man of Everest (originally published as Tiger of the Snows). High Conquest was the first of nine books for J.B. Lippincott coming out in 1941 followed by The White Tower, River of The Sun, Windom's Way, and Banner in the Sky which was a 1955 Newbery Honor book. All of these titles became major motion pictures.
Ullman also authored John Harlin's biography Straight Up.
He also wrote the short story "Top Man", a story about mountaineers climbing K3, a mountain in India.
Beyond his mountaineering books, he wrote "Where the Bong Tree Grows," an account of a year he spent traveling through some of the most remote islands of the South Pacific.
He joined the American Mount Everest Expedition 1963 as official historian. Because of health problems he had to stay in Kathmandu. The book Americans on Everest: The Official Account of the Ascent was published in 1964.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews
November 14, 2020
I thought that this Newbery honor book was going to be just another boy's historical adventure, and that I'd get fed up with it and choose to DNF. I was wrong.
It is an adventure. It is about a world which was not relevant to women. But it's about a 16 yo boy who, through the course of the book, becomes a man. And it's cleanly, crisply written, easy enough to read that I stayed up way past my bedtime and finished it.
What's most interesting about it is all the lying and other moral quandaries and ambiguities. Not only does the boy have trouble *doing* the right thing, but *all* the people have trouble *knowing* the right thing. There are questions not only of courage, but of honor, loyalty, identity, brotherhood. Small-scale politics and economics even play a role.
And yet it's still a very readable adventure.
Highly recommended to reluctant readers. Teen males, of course. but also girls and adults who want more insight into the minds of those who feel the compulsion to prove themselves against a potentially deadly challenge.
It is an adventure. It is about a world which was not relevant to women. But it's about a 16 yo boy who, through the course of the book, becomes a man. And it's cleanly, crisply written, easy enough to read that I stayed up way past my bedtime and finished it.
What's most interesting about it is all the lying and other moral quandaries and ambiguities. Not only does the boy have trouble *doing* the right thing, but *all* the people have trouble *knowing* the right thing. There are questions not only of courage, but of honor, loyalty, identity, brotherhood. Small-scale politics and economics even play a role.
And yet it's still a very readable adventure.
Highly recommended to reluctant readers. Teen males, of course. but also girls and adults who want more insight into the minds of those who feel the compulsion to prove themselves against a potentially deadly challenge.
May 3, 2011
I've read this book before, and I have always loved it. A teacher back in middle school made us read this book and it has always stuck with me. Sometime last year I purchased this book and it has been sitting on my shelf for some time. I am currently re-reading it and I am enjoying just as much as I did when I had read it years ago. If you like adventure books and maybe books about foreign places, this is the book for you. Well at least try it. It's not a fast paced read, but it keeps you interested.
June 22, 2021
Although James Ramsey Ullman's 1955 Newbery Honour winning Banner in the Sky is at times a bit dated (but considering that it is set in 19th century Switzerland, much of said datedness actually does make rather much historic and cultural sense), the novel is also in many ways a truly delightful and even for our times, even for the 21st century, sill relevant coming of age story (of how Rudi Matt desires and manages to pay homage to the memory of the father he has never known by attempting to conquer the Citadel, but more importantly, how Rudi becomes a man by learning and taking to heart important lessons regarding honour, courage and that indeed being a good citizen, being helpful and caring even when this might impede one's own desires and wishes makes one, renders one into a good and decent citizen, a productive and appreciated, beloved member of society as a whole).
And yes (especially considering that I have generally never all that much enjoyed either novels or non fiction accounts of mountaineering, of mountain climbing) I have been for one more than pleasantly surprised at how engaging and interesting a reading experience Banner in the Sky has proven to be for me on a personal reading enjoyment level and for two how James Ramsey Ullman's writing style (and especially his characterisation) and although Banner in the Sky was penned in 1954, still feels surprisingly modern, surprisingly fresh, green and new in scope (with a sweet combination of historicism and modernity that reads naturally and unforced, not to mention, that I am also absolutely tickled that ALL of the German language inclusions encountered in Banner in the Sky are spelled and used correctly, and with all of the nouns capitalised as they should be).
A high three star ranking for Banner in the Sky, and the only reason I finally decided on three and not four stars is that well, for a novel that clearly shows a fictionalised account of the 1865 conquering of the Matterhorn, I personally and most definitely would have preferred and even wanted the author to feature the latter by name (and to not to label the peak as the Citadel), and that the town of Kurtal should have been called Zermatt (the actual name of the Swiss village/town at the base of the Matterhorn).
And yes (especially considering that I have generally never all that much enjoyed either novels or non fiction accounts of mountaineering, of mountain climbing) I have been for one more than pleasantly surprised at how engaging and interesting a reading experience Banner in the Sky has proven to be for me on a personal reading enjoyment level and for two how James Ramsey Ullman's writing style (and especially his characterisation) and although Banner in the Sky was penned in 1954, still feels surprisingly modern, surprisingly fresh, green and new in scope (with a sweet combination of historicism and modernity that reads naturally and unforced, not to mention, that I am also absolutely tickled that ALL of the German language inclusions encountered in Banner in the Sky are spelled and used correctly, and with all of the nouns capitalised as they should be).
A high three star ranking for Banner in the Sky, and the only reason I finally decided on three and not four stars is that well, for a novel that clearly shows a fictionalised account of the 1865 conquering of the Matterhorn, I personally and most definitely would have preferred and even wanted the author to feature the latter by name (and to not to label the peak as the Citadel), and that the town of Kurtal should have been called Zermatt (the actual name of the Swiss village/town at the base of the Matterhorn).
April 17, 2018
A lovely, old-fashioned flow of writing and the very best sort of a coming-of-age story. Rudi’s arc and the relationships in this book are carefully crafted. There is a great deal more description than dialogue (not a trial to me) and the author’s ability to paint an immersive picture are on fine display. Banner in the Sky radiates with an instinctive accuracy, and it is clear the the author’s own adventurous life and mountaineering background serve him well, as he plunges us into a dizzying and frozen world. W can feel the rock scrapping our palms, feel our toes grasping for footholds. The thin rope cutting into our waist is the only thing that makes the difference between balance – and an endless plunge. We feel the ice-wind slicing through us, feel the blue sky that is bluest of all in a mountain shining on us, feel the savage storm screaming in our ears . . . feel the victory of the summit beating in our hearts.
August 7, 2021
Guys, I've read a lot of really amazing books this year but this has to be one of my top favorites. Death-defying heights, heart-pounding action, and an underdog you can really get behind and cheer on. This story tests the limits of courage, endurance and trust. Not only that but there's some great themes of family and legacy. The writing style was flawless. I was hooked by the first page. It was so easy to lose myself in the story.
There wasn't much I didn't like but I can see where some might lose interest in all the climbing.
Now would I have ever taken an interest in this book if I hadn't first watched Disney's Third Man on the Mountain? Probably not. The movie was amazing and this book, in my opinion, tops it. If you enjoy a good clean adventure story that takes place high up in the Swiss Alps then I highly recommend this!
There wasn't much I didn't like but I can see where some might lose interest in all the climbing.
Now would I have ever taken an interest in this book if I hadn't first watched Disney's Third Man on the Mountain? Probably not. The movie was amazing and this book, in my opinion, tops it. If you enjoy a good clean adventure story that takes place high up in the Swiss Alps then I highly recommend this!
May 20, 2023
When Joe told me that this was one of his favorite books, I immediately got it at the library and LOVED it! It is a great book about mountain climbing, lots of cool techinical stuff for mountaineers like Joe, yet understandable for those of us with no mountain climbing experience. But it is so much more! It's a beautiful story about conquering fear, working toward a goal, the effects of selfishness and the rewards of selflessness, banding together for the common good, and so much more. In his introduction, the author said he hopes that the story makes for "good climbing". It did!!!
November 9, 2022
This was a hard book to put down! For those adventurous souls that like to read about daring and do, this is a gutsy mountain climbing story that provides some good moral lessons to discuss too.
Though the names have been changed, the story is based off of the first successful climbing of the Matterhorn (Not only did Walt Disney make a movie of this book (Third Man on the Mountain) but perhaps this book inspired him to make the iconic ride we see at Disneyland?!!). The author won a Newbery Honor for this, most certainly because he wrote from personal experience. Not only was he a world traveler and mountaineer, but he was also a member of the first American expedition to Mount Everest.
Cleanliness:
Children's Bad Words
Mild Obscenities and Substitutions - 10 Incidents: stupidity, damned, stupid, rot
Name Calling - 24 Incidents: angel face, plate scraper, lumpen, fool, lout, show off, big mouth, faker, boaster, coward, sheep liar, chickens, coward, madman
Religious Profanity - 3 Incidents: by God, Mother of God, For the Love of All God
Religious & Supernatural - 9 Incidents: A "shrine" and the "Virgin" are mentioned. Demons are mentioned. "There are some things, ... that God intended for men; and there are some things that he did not. He did not intend men to swim the oceans, or to reach the center of the earth, or to fly. And he did not intend them to climb the Citadel. The citadel He is keeping for Himself, untouched - forever. And I do not believe, ... that men should set themselves against the will of God." Shrine is mentioned and a boy prays there. A boy, when caught in a lie, repents and asks Jesus and "loving Mary" to forgive him, stating that he is "wicked." Demons are mentioned, as well as men "crossing themselves" in religious ceremony. Demons and Heaven are discussed. Ghosts: "the presence that had followed him all that day... the ghosts, the demons of the forbidden mountain crowding down upon him from the haunted heights. And among them, leading them, one ghost - the most terrible ghost ..." he then discovers it is the ghost of his father. He is comforted by this and speaks with him. There is a question about whether there are demons/spirits/ghosts on the mountain.
Violence - None
Romance Related - 1 Incident: It is noted that a boy is "naked... except for his shoes, stocking and underpants." Not sexual.
Attitudes/Disobedience - 16 Incidents: A boy is described as playing "truant from school - even from church," running out on the job, and not caring that it causes his mother "tears." A boy asks someone not to tell anyone that he came to visit, noting that his parents would be mad. Lying: a man lies to cover for a boy not being at work. A boy is called on a lie, and continues to lie. A man lies to a mother about what her son is really doing (so she won't worry). Lying: a boy says he's not tired but he really is. A boy's lie "caught up with him." "Not a result of conscious choice or decision, it was simply what he had to do," describing the boys defiance to his mother and disobedience. When a man finds out that a boy lied, he smiles for a minute, but then gets serious about the effects of the lie. An uncle discusses how his nephew disobeyed, defied, thieved, connived, lied. A man then tell him that he and his mother drove the boy to it. A man discusses how he was lied to by the boy, but that the boy "meant no harm" and only did "what he had to do". "Right and wrong did not matter. Nothing in all the world mattered, except that he must go." "You lied to me."
A mother says that it isn't wrong that her son lied to her, but that she was wrong for "making" the son lie.
Conversation Topics - 1 Incident: Beer, wine, pipes and brandy are mentioned.
Parent Takeaway
Not many good character qualities are exhibited by the main character. In fact, whenever there is lying, or inappropriate behavior, it is dismissed or even explained in a positive light. "It was simply what he had to do" was used to justify his actions. Only at the very end, does the boy do the right thing. It's a great story of mountaineering, so perhaps for older kids or for younger but with a parent discussion.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
Though the names have been changed, the story is based off of the first successful climbing of the Matterhorn (Not only did Walt Disney make a movie of this book (Third Man on the Mountain) but perhaps this book inspired him to make the iconic ride we see at Disneyland?!!). The author won a Newbery Honor for this, most certainly because he wrote from personal experience. Not only was he a world traveler and mountaineer, but he was also a member of the first American expedition to Mount Everest.
Cleanliness:
Children's Bad Words
Mild Obscenities and Substitutions - 10 Incidents: stupidity, damned, stupid, rot
Name Calling - 24 Incidents: angel face, plate scraper, lumpen, fool, lout, show off, big mouth, faker, boaster, coward, sheep liar, chickens, coward, madman
Religious Profanity - 3 Incidents: by God, Mother of God, For the Love of All God
Religious & Supernatural - 9 Incidents: A "shrine" and the "Virgin" are mentioned. Demons are mentioned. "There are some things, ... that God intended for men; and there are some things that he did not. He did not intend men to swim the oceans, or to reach the center of the earth, or to fly. And he did not intend them to climb the Citadel. The citadel He is keeping for Himself, untouched - forever. And I do not believe, ... that men should set themselves against the will of God." Shrine is mentioned and a boy prays there. A boy, when caught in a lie, repents and asks Jesus and "loving Mary" to forgive him, stating that he is "wicked." Demons are mentioned, as well as men "crossing themselves" in religious ceremony. Demons and Heaven are discussed. Ghosts: "the presence that had followed him all that day... the ghosts, the demons of the forbidden mountain crowding down upon him from the haunted heights. And among them, leading them, one ghost - the most terrible ghost ..." he then discovers it is the ghost of his father. He is comforted by this and speaks with him. There is a question about whether there are demons/spirits/ghosts on the mountain.
Violence - None
Romance Related - 1 Incident: It is noted that a boy is "naked... except for his shoes, stocking and underpants." Not sexual.
Attitudes/Disobedience - 16 Incidents: A boy is described as playing "truant from school - even from church," running out on the job, and not caring that it causes his mother "tears." A boy asks someone not to tell anyone that he came to visit, noting that his parents would be mad. Lying: a man lies to cover for a boy not being at work. A boy is called on a lie, and continues to lie. A man lies to a mother about what her son is really doing (so she won't worry). Lying: a boy says he's not tired but he really is. A boy's lie "caught up with him." "Not a result of conscious choice or decision, it was simply what he had to do," describing the boys defiance to his mother and disobedience. When a man finds out that a boy lied, he smiles for a minute, but then gets serious about the effects of the lie. An uncle discusses how his nephew disobeyed, defied, thieved, connived, lied. A man then tell him that he and his mother drove the boy to it. A man discusses how he was lied to by the boy, but that the boy "meant no harm" and only did "what he had to do". "Right and wrong did not matter. Nothing in all the world mattered, except that he must go." "You lied to me."
A mother says that it isn't wrong that her son lied to her, but that she was wrong for "making" the son lie.
Conversation Topics - 1 Incident: Beer, wine, pipes and brandy are mentioned.
Parent Takeaway
Not many good character qualities are exhibited by the main character. In fact, whenever there is lying, or inappropriate behavior, it is dismissed or even explained in a positive light. "It was simply what he had to do" was used to justify his actions. Only at the very end, does the boy do the right thing. It's a great story of mountaineering, so perhaps for older kids or for younger but with a parent discussion.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
October 20, 2016
In the book, Rudi Matt's father died on the citadel, a mountain that he wanted to conquer. But since his father died on the mountain, Rudi's mother and uncle won't let him climb, even though it's in his blood. Rudi would still sneak off to the citadel to try and climb up the glacier and find a route up to the fortress, the place his father died. One day, Rudi is climbing the glacier and heard someone screaming for help from a crevasse, Rudi helped the person out of the crevasse and it turned out to be a famous mountaineer. This was Rudi's lucky break because he then was able to go climbing a mountain with his uncle and the mountaineer, Mr. Winter. Then he messes up and gets trapped would never be allowed near the mountains ever again. So he runs away up to the citadel to climb it with Mr. Winter and another guide from a different town. They take Rudi on a reconnaissance of their route and head back down to the mountain to the cabin. Then Rudi's uncle and other guides come up to the cabin to try to take Rudi back and then take the other two men down with them too. Then Rudi and the men don't go down and Rudi's uncle comes with them to climb the citadel as well. Then the men climb up past the fortress, then past the needle, which they couldn't have done without Rudi, and then they made it to the top and Rudi's "banner" was hung at the summit.
In the book, there were a lot of lessons that were kind of hidden and said in different words. Some of the messages were things like, you can't stop someone from doing something they were born to do. Another was, don't try to stop someone that is determined. Something else I noticed was Rudi's "banner" the shirt his father always wore when he was climbing a mountain, was a sort of symbol and motivator Rudi used to remind himself of either the dangers of the mountain,the reason he is climbing the citadel, or to encourage him to finish his father's dream. something else is that the author had a message hidden in how Rudi was different but yet, he could still accomplish things that others couldn't. For example, the only reason the men conquered the citadel was because Rudi was small and strong enough to fit through the needle and pull everyone through. So the message was that no matter how different you are, your differences will always have their advantages.
In the book, there were a lot of lessons that were kind of hidden and said in different words. Some of the messages were things like, you can't stop someone from doing something they were born to do. Another was, don't try to stop someone that is determined. Something else I noticed was Rudi's "banner" the shirt his father always wore when he was climbing a mountain, was a sort of symbol and motivator Rudi used to remind himself of either the dangers of the mountain,the reason he is climbing the citadel, or to encourage him to finish his father's dream. something else is that the author had a message hidden in how Rudi was different but yet, he could still accomplish things that others couldn't. For example, the only reason the men conquered the citadel was because Rudi was small and strong enough to fit through the needle and pull everyone through. So the message was that no matter how different you are, your differences will always have their advantages.
August 9, 2018
Ok, so this is a book for 6th - 8th graders that I was assigned to read for a course I am teaching this summer, and I expected to get through it, but I did not expect to enjoy the book as much as I did. This is an exciting coming-of-age adventure about rock climbing that kept me in suspense and surprise the entire read. I really friggin’ enjoyed myself! While the strange forged friendships of the book are enjoyable, the true beauty of this book lies in the main character Rudi’s solo climbing adventures. His thought processes and emotional life, although simply written, develop into something incredibly vivid. In the end, the best friendship forged is the one between the reader and Rudi. I liked it very much, and I am looking forward to teaching this book!
January 28, 2021
Enjoyed the story very much. The author writes well, and does a wonderful job describing the beauty of the mountains. You can tell he himself was a mountaineer. There was a part of the story where the character uses the Lord's prayer inappropriately - and that was annoying/unnecessary. But on the whole, well done, and I would read this story to my children.
December 2, 2013
I read this book to my children for our homeschool. Wow, I don't know if I have words equivalent to express my feelings and opinion of this book. The writer kept us hooked from the beginning, the conflict was ongoing, and the story was magical. The main character, a sixteen-year old boy, Rudi, grew and changed in this story and his determination and passion was boundless. I felt like I was climbing The Citadel myself. The impression of climbing a mountain was so real - the pure grit and determination needed, the highs and lows, the teamwork and character building, the scenery and everything that goes with it.
I so wish this book could be made into a movie.
I so wish this book could be made into a movie.
January 27, 2023
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I’ve loved this book for so long and I still love it! Half of a star off only because of a few sentences of funky theology. The author obviously has climbed intense mountains( He climbed Mount Everest nearly to the top) as his descriptions are stomach turning! Rudi character isn’t a hero type he makes mistakes and needs to repent( sometimes he does sometimes he doesn’t) but this book is amazing for the vivid imagery and Captain Winter is my favorite!
March 1, 2018
Banner in the sky by James Ramsey Ullman is a realistic fiction set in the Swiss Alps. The story is based on the ascent of the Matterhorn. The book follows Rudi Matt as he dares to conquer the final undiscovered peak of the Alps.
Given the story’s focus, it is no surprise the amount of detail given to the mountain itself. The book spends paragraphs devoted to describing all the mountains edges and cliffs, and the difficulty in climbing them. The climbing itself is so vividly described that it is no surprise that the author himself is an avid mountaineer. This can at times, seemingly lag the story behind as the descriptions never seem to end.
The main character Rudi is an interesting character as we see throughout the course of the story how he grows and changes as a person. Several times in the story we are reminded how Rudi’s father died climbing the mountain, and seeing how this affects the other characters helps us to feel his absence. By the end of the story we are rooting for these characters, we want to see them succeed, as we see what it would mean if they didn’t.
I recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction or people who want stories that have characters that grow and change throughout the story.
Given the story’s focus, it is no surprise the amount of detail given to the mountain itself. The book spends paragraphs devoted to describing all the mountains edges and cliffs, and the difficulty in climbing them. The climbing itself is so vividly described that it is no surprise that the author himself is an avid mountaineer. This can at times, seemingly lag the story behind as the descriptions never seem to end.
The main character Rudi is an interesting character as we see throughout the course of the story how he grows and changes as a person. Several times in the story we are reminded how Rudi’s father died climbing the mountain, and seeing how this affects the other characters helps us to feel his absence. By the end of the story we are rooting for these characters, we want to see them succeed, as we see what it would mean if they didn’t.
I recommend this book to fans of realistic fiction or people who want stories that have characters that grow and change throughout the story.
December 16, 2010
Its about a boy named Rudi Matt. His dad died trying to climb the citadel. He wants to climb to the top of the mountain and put a red flannel shirt. The shirt symbolizes his dads goal that he wants to complete. At the end he dosen't make it to the top. He stays back with Saxo. Captain winters and Uncle franz went to the top and said Rudi went to the top and put the red shirt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
3 stars // Decent book, though not one I will read again. The characters were pretty flat and the writing was juvenile. It was also pretty anti-climactic and I thought it was kinda dumb that Rudi never made it to the top.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2019
One of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend this to families! So many spiritual metaphors to gain from here. ❤️
June 9, 2024
Probably nothing will beat mom reading it out loud for the first time years ago but it’s still so good every time.
July 18, 2025
So wonderful and heart breaking and filling. My uncle Matt loves this book, and so does my father, and so do I. I love Rudi, Rudi's decisions, and Rudi's family. All of it feels so real. The mountain is the dream stage for it to play out on. Dramatic, harsh, unforgiving, raw, pure, etc. Rudi son of Josef. His mountain.
April 12, 2021
Banner in the Sky was amazing, I absolutely loved it!!!! Rudi Matt was so brave and courageous and he helped others even when he needed help himself, that shows true character!
November 20, 2019
Rudi is a dishwasher but dreams of being a mountain guide like his father. A great story about working hard, sacrificing for others, and reachings your goals.
Easy to read aloud to the kids. Discussed with 12-18 year olds. They loved it! Made me cry...
Easy to read aloud to the kids. Discussed with 12-18 year olds. They loved it! Made me cry...
September 9, 2022
A beautifully written book. Slow, but in a good way - like climbing a huge mountain. Makes you stop and appreciate each step. Loved Rudi’s example to young readers.
November 14, 2016
This review was written for 5th and 6th graders:
Just like with music, there are many good books that are popular for a few years after they come out. Some of these books stay popular. Books like Charlotte's Web, A Wrinkle in Time, and presumably Harry Potter stay popular favorites for generations after they are written. Other excellent books slowly fade away. Banner in the Sky is one of these excellent books that has faded away a bit over time. It was a Newbury Honor Book in 1954 when it was originally published. However, over my last sixteen years of teaching I have only known one or two kids who have read it. I think that's a shame, because you'll have a hard time finding a book with more realistic adventure and excitement than this one.
Banner in the Sky takes place in 1865 and is the story of sixteen year old Rudi Matt. Rudi lives in the village of Kurtal in the middle of the Swiss Alps. He feels a powerful pull to climb the mountains surrounding his village and desperately wants to be a mountain guide like his uncle is and his father was. Unfortunately, his father was killed when Rudi was young. He had tried to climb The Citadel, which had never been climbed and was thought unclimbable by most people. Rudi's mother, wanting to make sure that her son isn't killed in the mountains like her husband was, keeps Rudi out of the mountains. Instead he works as a dishwasher in a village hotel. However, a series of chance encounters create a situation in which Rudi defies his mother and joins a group of mountaineers who are trying to be the first to climb The Citadel. Incidentally, Ullman based the book on the first successful climb of The Matterhorn in Switzerland. (Picture below)
I do not easily give a book five stars. And, I should confess that my own love of mountains probably has something to do with my enjoyment of this book. However, I think anyone who likes stories of adventure and exploration would enjoy Banner in the Sky. The book is full of interesting and distinct characters, none of whom are perfect, but all of whom have their own good qualities. The way Ullman writes the story of the climb makes you feel the danger and the suspense. There are so many books out there in which the adventure is all about fighting. It's cool to read a book full of adventure that is real.
Just like with music, there are many good books that are popular for a few years after they come out. Some of these books stay popular. Books like Charlotte's Web, A Wrinkle in Time, and presumably Harry Potter stay popular favorites for generations after they are written. Other excellent books slowly fade away. Banner in the Sky is one of these excellent books that has faded away a bit over time. It was a Newbury Honor Book in 1954 when it was originally published. However, over my last sixteen years of teaching I have only known one or two kids who have read it. I think that's a shame, because you'll have a hard time finding a book with more realistic adventure and excitement than this one.
Banner in the Sky takes place in 1865 and is the story of sixteen year old Rudi Matt. Rudi lives in the village of Kurtal in the middle of the Swiss Alps. He feels a powerful pull to climb the mountains surrounding his village and desperately wants to be a mountain guide like his uncle is and his father was. Unfortunately, his father was killed when Rudi was young. He had tried to climb The Citadel, which had never been climbed and was thought unclimbable by most people. Rudi's mother, wanting to make sure that her son isn't killed in the mountains like her husband was, keeps Rudi out of the mountains. Instead he works as a dishwasher in a village hotel. However, a series of chance encounters create a situation in which Rudi defies his mother and joins a group of mountaineers who are trying to be the first to climb The Citadel. Incidentally, Ullman based the book on the first successful climb of The Matterhorn in Switzerland. (Picture below)
I do not easily give a book five stars. And, I should confess that my own love of mountains probably has something to do with my enjoyment of this book. However, I think anyone who likes stories of adventure and exploration would enjoy Banner in the Sky. The book is full of interesting and distinct characters, none of whom are perfect, but all of whom have their own good qualities. The way Ullman writes the story of the climb makes you feel the danger and the suspense. There are so many books out there in which the adventure is all about fighting. It's cool to read a book full of adventure that is real.
April 14, 2008
Banner in the Sky is an adventure/survival fiction book about a boy on a journey to conquer the Citadel. The setting is a fictional town called Kurtal in the Swiss Alps. The main character is Rudi Matt who is a small and weak sixteen year old boy. Rudi’s dad was a famous mountaineer who died while climbing the Citadel. Rudi saves Captain Winter’s life when he is stuck in a glacier and finds out that Captain Winter also wants to climb the Citadel. Captain Winter and Emil Saxo (a mountain guide) start their ascent of the mountain and Rudi runs away from home to join their quest. After a couple of days, Rudi’s Uncle Franz Lerner is worried about him and then decides to join their expedition. Will they reach the Summit and overcome the many obstacles such as the harsh weather conditions, the limited amount of food, and Rudi’s little experience in mountain climbing? Will they not reach the Summit like Rudi’s father? Read the book to find out. The conflict is both an external and internal because Rudi can’t be a mountain guide since he is too small and has to decide if he should disobey his mother’s orders to follow his dreams.
James Ramsey Ullman’s writing style is superb. He is very descriptive in describing the setting including the Citadel. Also he uses easy language and words pertaining to mountain climbing. The plot was interesting and believable because the events could have really happened. I chose this book because the first page seemed interesting and the cover had a fascinating picture. I liked this book because it communicated a great message about perseverance even though the odds maybe against you. I would recommend this book to people who like survival/adventure books or like mountain climbing. (300 words)
James Ramsey Ullman’s writing style is superb. He is very descriptive in describing the setting including the Citadel. Also he uses easy language and words pertaining to mountain climbing. The plot was interesting and believable because the events could have really happened. I chose this book because the first page seemed interesting and the cover had a fascinating picture. I liked this book because it communicated a great message about perseverance even though the odds maybe against you. I would recommend this book to people who like survival/adventure books or like mountain climbing. (300 words)
October 14, 2014
This story is about a kid named Rudi who wants to climb this large mountain called the Citadel that is close to his hometown. His father was killed on this same mountain yet he continues to try and conquer the mountain. After many failures he sets out on his journey to reach the top of the mountain. Many obstacles are faced while climbing setting Rudi back on trying to be the first person to reach the top of the mountain. After many trails and setbacks, Rudi sticks a flag with his fathers shirt on it at the summit. I can not personally relate to anything this story has too offer in terms of relativity to my life but I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the story, I found it very compelling. A young man made a goal to do something that no one has ever done before, even his father death does not discourage him. He continues with hie dream until he reaches it. My favorite part was when Rudi finds himself trapped in the cave overnight and he realizes he is in the place where his father dies, I found this part very interesting. My least favorite part was when he makes a fool out of himself in front of all those men. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a nice story of overcoming large obstacles to reach a goal cause this is what this story was.
January 1, 2016
Sixteen-year-old Rudi Matt works as a hotel dishwasher in the 19th Century Swiss village of Kurtal. Every day of his life he's stared up at the Citadel, the one remaining unclimbed peak in the Alps. Fifteen years ago three men tried that climb. One, the hotel cook who is Rudi's boss, came back crippled. Two were carried down dead: Guide Josef Matt, Rudi's father, and his client, a great English mountaineer.
Rudi understands why his mother forbids him to follow his father's profession, even though her brother - Rudi's Uncle Franz - is one of Kurtal's most successful guides. Rudi will learn the hotel business, first in Kurtal and later in Zurich. His mother has already given one man to the Citadel and its fabled demons. She won't risk giving another. But Rudi can't help himself. He has to climb. When he meets another famous English mountaineer, Captain John Winter - and proves his strength and skill by saving Winter's life - it's only a matter of time. The Citadel waits to be climbed, and Josef Matt's son knows he's the man who must climb it.
It's smoothly yet colorfully written, and anyone whose youthful dreams a careful parent couldn't share is sure to experience Rudi's coming of age right along with him.
Rudi understands why his mother forbids him to follow his father's profession, even though her brother - Rudi's Uncle Franz - is one of Kurtal's most successful guides. Rudi will learn the hotel business, first in Kurtal and later in Zurich. His mother has already given one man to the Citadel and its fabled demons. She won't risk giving another. But Rudi can't help himself. He has to climb. When he meets another famous English mountaineer, Captain John Winter - and proves his strength and skill by saving Winter's life - it's only a matter of time. The Citadel waits to be climbed, and Josef Matt's son knows he's the man who must climb it.
It's smoothly yet colorfully written, and anyone whose youthful dreams a careful parent couldn't share is sure to experience Rudi's coming of age right along with him.
February 13, 2018
I was surprised that it was aimed at elementary school kids. The subject matter and language seemed more advanced than that. There was certainly an intensity to the writing, and I felt I was there climbing along with them.
I liked the very ending especially (where he had disappeared to go and take care of the dishes), for two reasons. One, that despite the times he had been disobedient and had lied to his mother and uncle and shirked his other duties, he had changed. This simple action proved again that he was a true guide of Kurtal, that he had changed and was more mature. He proved that he had integrity. He had made a promise, and he was going to follow through.
Two, it showed once again that he hadn't climbed the Citadel because he craved attention or recognition. He didn't need to prove himself to anyone else. He conquered the mountain for himself, in his father's memory. It's how I feel some of the most successful people live. They don't need anyone else to validate them. They can do that for themselves.
I liked the very ending especially (where he had disappeared to go and take care of the dishes), for two reasons. One, that despite the times he had been disobedient and had lied to his mother and uncle and shirked his other duties, he had changed. This simple action proved again that he was a true guide of Kurtal, that he had changed and was more mature. He proved that he had integrity. He had made a promise, and he was going to follow through.
Two, it showed once again that he hadn't climbed the Citadel because he craved attention or recognition. He didn't need to prove himself to anyone else. He conquered the mountain for himself, in his father's memory. It's how I feel some of the most successful people live. They don't need anyone else to validate them. They can do that for themselves.
June 29, 2019
4.5 stars
I just completed my second re-read of Banner in the Sky, and I think I have found myself enjoying it more each time. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that this is a children's/teen adventure; it is a beautifully crafted story that really delivers on its moral but still shows the harsh realities and dangers of mountaineering. Each of the main characters is dimensional and dynamic, and I never grew tired of following their individual character arcs. The actual structure of the different areas of the mountain can be hard to visualize and follow, but even for those(like myself) who hardly know the first thing about mountaineering, it's a great page-turning adventure.
There is even an excellent and faithfully adapted Disney film based on Banner in the Sky, under the new title Third Man on the Mountain. I highly recommend both the book and the movie, and plan to keep enjoying both versions of this timeless adventure.
I just completed my second re-read of Banner in the Sky, and I think I have found myself enjoying it more each time. Don't be dissuaded by the fact that this is a children's/teen adventure; it is a beautifully crafted story that really delivers on its moral but still shows the harsh realities and dangers of mountaineering. Each of the main characters is dimensional and dynamic, and I never grew tired of following their individual character arcs. The actual structure of the different areas of the mountain can be hard to visualize and follow, but even for those(like myself) who hardly know the first thing about mountaineering, it's a great page-turning adventure.
There is even an excellent and faithfully adapted Disney film based on Banner in the Sky, under the new title Third Man on the Mountain. I highly recommend both the book and the movie, and plan to keep enjoying both versions of this timeless adventure.
March 5, 2017
This book deserves to be a Newbery Honor book because it is truly inspiring. This is also encouraging since it is based on the author's personal experience. The words used were extremely powerful and effective, explaining every detail of each event. The book had a great plot were a sixteen year old boy named Rudi, the protagonist faces many challenges in his way to scale great summit of the Citadel completing the quest that claimed his father's life. If Banner in the Sky was a series, I would probably continue reading the series because each book would be interesting, full of challenges that Rudi must face to reach the top of the Citadel, yet still remain determined until the end. If you are looking for a book that is motivating and uplifting, I would recommend this book for you. This book is exceptionally electrifying for me to read it.
May 30, 2008
I thought the author of this book was limited because he was writing to a middle-school audience. And I was wrong, through all of his limitations, he is still able to tell a wonderful coming-of-age story. The characters are real (if not simple), the prose is dazzling (but not verbose), and the story is rich. It is satisfying in a way that even the most artistic and elaborate stories are not. The descriptions are wonderful; truly I felt the chill of the Alps, even in a Philadelphia May. It's beautiful, despite its simplicity. And the best part of it, is that anyone can read it. I'm certain that upon reading this Newbery Honor Book, you'll want to climb to the heights of the Alps as well. And you may be hungry for chocolate and cheese at the end too.
March 31, 2010
Great book! This is a book that I would have never picked up to read, but it was in Elyssa home school curriculum. Once Elyssa and I got into the book (it did have a slow start) it was very hard to put down. It was also the type of book that I found myself thinking about when I was not reading the book, which I think is a sign of a good book. Elyssa and I found that we also discussed the book when we were not reading it. It also prompted me to do some research into this first expedition to climb the Matterhorn. An fun note is that this book was made into a movie. We have not watched the movie, but it is in our nextfix cue.
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