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Storm Mountain
Kat and her cousin attempt to scatter the ashes of their famous adventurer-fathers on the mountain where the men lost their lives.
135 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2010
10 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Tom Birdseye
28 books20 followersI grew up in North Carolina and Kentucky, an ardent fan of anything that smacked of sports, crawdads, mud balls, forts built in the woods, secret codes, bicycles without fenders, butter pecan ice cream, and snow. I was, however, decidedly uninterested in writing-or any academic aspect of school, for that matter-never imagining that at the age of thirty-five I would become a published author. And yet after two unrelated college degrees, a year living in Japan, and ten years of teaching experience, that is what happened. Life, it seems, is full of who'd-a-thought-its.
I live in Corvallis, Oregon, with my wife, Debbie. Our two daughters, Kelsey and Amy, are both off on their own, living and working in Portland. When not writing, working at the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in creative writing, or in classrooms talking with children and teachers about the writing process, I enjoy rock climbing, alpine ascents, scaling big trees, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, backpacking, mountain biking, running, playing the string bass, and reading.
Even after many books published and awards won, at times it still amazes me that writing is my profession. It was such a difficult process for me when I was a kid; I can really identify with the reluctant writer in school today. Everything seemed to get in the way of my completing stories: from being left-handed, to my poor spelling skills, from punctuation woes, to especially a lack of ideas. Fortunately, the right people came along at the right time and helped me see past the hurdles, emphasizing instead the joy of the work and the satisfaction to be had in trying to uncover the important truths that can come out of fiction. Now I carry a small notebook at all times and am always on the lookout for material I can use in a story: ordinary people that would make good characters, the funny, telling, or poignant glimpses of life that are triggered by what I see and hear, and the wonderfully wise things people will say at the most unexpected times.
True, I still labor through my stories, wrestling with the spelling beast and the punctuation monster, writing and rewriting, then rewriting some more, until I glean my best, but the process has become one of pleasure instead of pain. I love doing it, and I love sharing it with others. The boy who couldn't imagine himself a writer, now can't imagine himself anything else.
I live in Corvallis, Oregon, with my wife, Debbie. Our two daughters, Kelsey and Amy, are both off on their own, living and working in Portland. When not writing, working at the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA program in creative writing, or in classrooms talking with children and teachers about the writing process, I enjoy rock climbing, alpine ascents, scaling big trees, ski mountaineering, snowshoeing, backpacking, mountain biking, running, playing the string bass, and reading.
Even after many books published and awards won, at times it still amazes me that writing is my profession. It was such a difficult process for me when I was a kid; I can really identify with the reluctant writer in school today. Everything seemed to get in the way of my completing stories: from being left-handed, to my poor spelling skills, from punctuation woes, to especially a lack of ideas. Fortunately, the right people came along at the right time and helped me see past the hurdles, emphasizing instead the joy of the work and the satisfaction to be had in trying to uncover the important truths that can come out of fiction. Now I carry a small notebook at all times and am always on the lookout for material I can use in a story: ordinary people that would make good characters, the funny, telling, or poignant glimpses of life that are triggered by what I see and hear, and the wonderfully wise things people will say at the most unexpected times.
True, I still labor through my stories, wrestling with the spelling beast and the punctuation monster, writing and rewriting, then rewriting some more, until I glean my best, but the process has become one of pleasure instead of pain. I love doing it, and I love sharing it with others. The boy who couldn't imagine himself a writer, now can't imagine himself anything else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 4, 2012
I wasn't crazy about this book. The story seemed to drag right up to the very end. I was hoping for more depth to the story but this book just didn't seem to have it. The main character, Cat, and her cousin have lost their fathers due to a snow storm on Storm Mountain. They wind up finding themselves on the very mountain that was responsible for their fathers deaths in order to spread their ashes. The characters encounter a similar situation on the mountain and must work together to avoid the wrath of the storm.
This book is intended for a younger audience (fifth through eighth grade). Children who might like this book might also be interested in mountain climbing. Middle school agers who have had a loved one pass away might also be able to relate to the characters emotionally. This book is from the Golden Sower Award list.
This book is intended for a younger audience (fifth through eighth grade). Children who might like this book might also be interested in mountain climbing. Middle school agers who have had a loved one pass away might also be able to relate to the characters emotionally. This book is from the Golden Sower Award list.
July 21, 2018
A children's adventure story for grades 6-8. Thirteen-year-old Cat thinks her impulsive cousin Ty is an idiot when he plans for the two of them to climb Oregon's Storm Mountain in order to spread their fathers' ashes at the same treacherous summit that claimed both mens' lives. Ty knows nothing about mountain climbing. Cat knows a lot from reading books and listening to her father, but her knowledge is all theoretical; she's never done it herself. How could two inexperienced kids survive the same climb that had claimed the lives of their dads, twin brothers who were famous expert mountain climbers? But their fathers died when a sudden storm came up. What are the chances of that happening again? On Storm Mountain, the chances are actually quite good.
When Cat refuses to join Ty on the reckless trek, he takes both urns of ashes and sets out alone, accompanied by Cat's dog. And Cat realizes she has no choice but to follow him, no matter how dangerous the journey could be.
I enjoyed this book, but until I learned otherwise, I'd assumed Cat was around 16, not 13. For one thing, I had trouble believing her mom would leave a 13-year-old all alone for the weekend. And she seemed unusually mature for 13.
But the story is compelling, as the teens face one danger after another on the mountain. And it was interesting watching Cat struggle to apply her book-learned knowledge of mountaineering to life-or-death situations.
When Cat refuses to join Ty on the reckless trek, he takes both urns of ashes and sets out alone, accompanied by Cat's dog. And Cat realizes she has no choice but to follow him, no matter how dangerous the journey could be.
I enjoyed this book, but until I learned otherwise, I'd assumed Cat was around 16, not 13. For one thing, I had trouble believing her mom would leave a 13-year-old all alone for the weekend. And she seemed unusually mature for 13.
But the story is compelling, as the teens face one danger after another on the mountain. And it was interesting watching Cat struggle to apply her book-learned knowledge of mountaineering to life-or-death situations.
January 25, 2019
An outdoor adventure story with good twists and turns. It covers a wide array of emotions. It would appeal to a wide spectrum of readers.
March 9, 2020
It could of been better, kind of repeated its self over and over
January 6, 2021
Intense and well written with believable characters. One near swear.
October 21, 2012
Have you ever been in a situation where you have been given two choices? You either fight to survive, or you die? Have you ever been so determined to do something that means so much to you, that nothing will stand in your way, no matter how dangerous it is? In the book Storm Mountain, written by Tom Birdseye, there are a lot of things standing in the way of doing something that means so much to someone. Cat and Ty are cousins. Both Cat and Ty’s fathers were world famous mountain climbers. They both passed away on a mountain climbing adventure. With Cat’s mom away for the weekend, she plans on just relaxing at home, and hanging out with her dogs. Ty, her cousin, has another plan in mind. Ty is determined to take her father’s ashes, and sprinkle them on the very mountain that he passed away. He had a dream that led him to believe that he needed to sprinkle their father’s ashes on the mountain that they passed away on. The dream spoke to him, and he felt as if this was something that he needed to do. This is so important to him, and he is totally determined to do it. So, he steals them from Cat, and starts making his way towards the mountains. He also steals Cat’s dog. So against what Cat wants to do, she decides to take off after him. As they start traveling and making their way towards Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, they are faced with a lot of trying situations. Things such as a very angry cat, a fall into a crevasse, and an avalanche stand in the way of sprinkling the ashes. Will Ty be determined enough to face all of these challenges, or will he give up and go home with the ashes still with him? Storm Mountain is a book that will keep the reader totally intrigued by what is happening currently in the story, and what is going to happen in the future in the story. It will teach the reader about survival, and it will also teach them about determination and strength. Storm Mountain is a chapter book, with quick and easy chapters for children to read. It is a good book for children who prefer brief stories, as compared to long drawn out ones. This book also faces the topic of death, which is important for children to learn about at a fairly young age. No one is ever prepared for a tragedy, but some children may have had to deal with one already. This book will help them to feel like they are not alone, and that other people in the world have very difficult situations in their lives too. This is a great book, with a very powerful message in it! With a tear-jerking ending, will the cousins make it to the mountain? Will they get caught by their Mom’s for doing something they aren’t supposed to be doing? Read the book Storm Mountain to find out!
December 13, 2011
Ever since her father and his twin brother, both famous mountain climbers, died in a climbing accident on Storm Mountain, Cat Taylor and her mother have lived at the base of the mountain. Two years after her father's death, while Cat's mother is out of town at a business conference, her cousin Ty shows up unexpectedly. Since both their fathers had died on the North Face of the mountain, Ty wants Cat to join him in scattering their ashes there. Despite a bad weather report and a lack of adequate warm clothing and climbing equipment, Cat follows Ty up the mountain.
From here on, the cousins ignore dangerous storm clouds, miraculously - and unbelievably - survive a fall into a crevasse, and dig themselves out of an avalanche. It defies belief. There are so many things wrong with this book that it is a challenge to list them all. The dialogue doesn't sound like two teenagers. Cat's rationalization for just running out the door and up the mountain without preparation and without leaving a note is unrealistic. Cat and Ty repeat safety warnings to each other, and then ignore them. There is so little character development that the reader can't figure out why in the world either teenager would act the way they did, so they simply appear foolish and thoughtless.
Those interested in mountain climbing might be interested in some authentic climbing information, but they might be even more annoyed than the average person at the total disregard the two main characters have for climbing safety.
From here on, the cousins ignore dangerous storm clouds, miraculously - and unbelievably - survive a fall into a crevasse, and dig themselves out of an avalanche. It defies belief. There are so many things wrong with this book that it is a challenge to list them all. The dialogue doesn't sound like two teenagers. Cat's rationalization for just running out the door and up the mountain without preparation and without leaving a note is unrealistic. Cat and Ty repeat safety warnings to each other, and then ignore them. There is so little character development that the reader can't figure out why in the world either teenager would act the way they did, so they simply appear foolish and thoughtless.
Those interested in mountain climbing might be interested in some authentic climbing information, but they might be even more annoyed than the average person at the total disregard the two main characters have for climbing safety.
June 16, 2015
Cat has slowly rebuilt her life after her father's death on nearby Storm Mountain. She has a healthy respect for the environment and has devoted her time to learning everything she can about mountain climbing. Her cousin Ty is the exact opposite, although he also lost his father, twin to Cat's, on the same mountain during the same storm. Ty is a devil-may-care, hang by the seat of his pants kind of person and Cats knows how very dangerous this attitude can be while mountain climbing. Ty gets the brilliant idea to release their fathers' ashes at the site of their deaths on the anniversary of that date. Cat says no--she isn't ready to let go of her father yet. Not to be deterred, Ty steals the ashes--and Cat's dog--in the middle of the night and heads to Storm Mountain and right into a blizzard. With both their mothers gone and the storm getting worse, Cat has no choice but to swallow her fears, ignore reason, and plunge into the storm to save Ty and her beloved dog.
What I loved about this book was the strong female character. There are so few action adventure books for adolescent girls. The adventure story turns into one of survival as Cat struggles to keep them all alive during a blizzard and avalanche. There are also great messages about grieving, knowing when to say goodbye, making a new start, and the important of family.
What I loved about this book was the strong female character. There are so few action adventure books for adolescent girls. The adventure story turns into one of survival as Cat struggles to keep them all alive during a blizzard and avalanche. There are also great messages about grieving, knowing when to say goodbye, making a new start, and the important of family.
July 18, 2014
Cat is furious with her cousin Ty! His impulsiveness and determination in fulfilling a dream means stealing and risking both of their lives just for the sake of what he “knows” his father would really want. But how could he pull Cat into something so dangerous? Storm Mountain had already taken both of their fathers, two of the world’s most famous mountain climbers. Will they survive with Ty’s limited mountaineering experience? At such a young age, will Cat be able to overcome such treacherous obstacles as an avalanche, a fall into a crevasse, or the dangerous dragon? How will they ever achieve something their own fathers couldn’t?
This fast-paced, thrilling adventure will capture your senses! I found myself in the Oregon Cascade Mountains on North Face with Cat and Ty, reliving the joys and sorrows of mountain climbing. I wondered how many of my students had ever climbed or attempted to achieve the impossible? As I reflected on the text’s vocabulary and content, I realized this book would be ideal for teaching many different strategies in developing and expanding their vocabulary.
In addition, I would utilize this book in teaching author’s crafts, story elements, and variety of concepts such as predicting, inferring, and summarizing. In the future, I plan to incorporate this book throughout my curriculum as it will be adaptable to every subject.
This fast-paced, thrilling adventure will capture your senses! I found myself in the Oregon Cascade Mountains on North Face with Cat and Ty, reliving the joys and sorrows of mountain climbing. I wondered how many of my students had ever climbed or attempted to achieve the impossible? As I reflected on the text’s vocabulary and content, I realized this book would be ideal for teaching many different strategies in developing and expanding their vocabulary.
In addition, I would utilize this book in teaching author’s crafts, story elements, and variety of concepts such as predicting, inferring, and summarizing. In the future, I plan to incorporate this book throughout my curriculum as it will be adaptable to every subject.
Read
December 1, 2015This book was very good there was a lot of adventure in it and suspense and it was about a girl who wants to climb a very big mountain and place a flag down with there faces on and there mom said no soooooo.... they waited for there mom to leave and they gathered all the stuff they needed for the climb and they thought it was a very dumb idea but they had a dream the characters are Ty and Cat and so they left and they where going pretty fast up the mountain so they took a break and sat down and they ate some food and as they where sitting they heard a crackle sound and they looked down and saw the snow start moving AVALANCHE!!! and they started running but they cut to the side under a hill and the snow started to flow past them and when it stopped and they started climbing again and they thought that was pretty close so they decided to make a camp under the hill so if another one happens and so the next morning there was a snow storm so they decided to stay in the camp for a day and they waited it out and there was a search helicopter looking for them and they thought there mom called the police and they decided to keep moving. that's all Ill say but I recommend this book to every one and ill read it to anyone and ill read it again but this was a very interesting book I loved it.
March 23, 2011
Cat's mother is away for the weekend and she has made the perfect plans. To hang out with her beloved dog Mugs, make the best pizza ever, have a shot of mocha and stay up all night. Unfortunately, her cousin is left alone for the weekend too and shows up at her door and changes the plans in an instant. According to Ty, he has a dream about his father that leads him to the idea he should spread his ashes atop Storm Mountain where both he and Cat's father lost their lives two years ago. Cat is against the idea from the beginning, aware of the dangers the mountain holds. The story unfolds one survival adventure into another as the two make their way through the wilderness dependent on Cat's mountaineering skills to lead them home. They come face-to-face with an avalanche, falling into an ice crevasse and hoping to survive an oncoming snowstorm in a snow cave shelter just like their fathers tried but unfortunately cost them their lives. Something Cat is determined not let happen to them. The story is fast-paced and the chapters are short and quick. It strives for humor with Ty's character but Cat doesn't play along. It is a survivial against the elements kind of story and would be a simple and fast read. It would be a just right book for grades 5-7. ~
August 8, 2012
"Add believable characters, the author’s mountain-climbing expertise and a tear-jerking conclusion, and there’s plenty here for young adventure enthusiasts, especially reluctant readers who prefer brief novels with simple, action-packed plots that can be read in one big satisfying gulp." --Kirkus
“No author has 19 books published by accident; one must possess a winning formula that resonates with readers. Tom Birdseye discovered his blueprint long ago and has captivated young readers for a quarter century...Birdseye, an accomplished climber and hiker of 32 years, uses his institutional knowledge to create a convincing picture of a climb gone terribly awry...The pace of the novel is perfect for a young audience. The action doesn't quit, and 50 pages in the harrowing developments on the mountain become engrossing for any reader, any age...The book is also effective in teaching a lesson on how to cope with grief at a young age.” --Oregon Gazette Times
"A touching story about a daughter who wants to honor her mountaineer father, STORM MOUNTAIN will appeal to aspiring young climbers who want a taste of the big peaks. Tom Birdseye has more than 30 years of mountaineering experience, and it shows in this page-turning work." --Climbing Magazine
“No author has 19 books published by accident; one must possess a winning formula that resonates with readers. Tom Birdseye discovered his blueprint long ago and has captivated young readers for a quarter century...Birdseye, an accomplished climber and hiker of 32 years, uses his institutional knowledge to create a convincing picture of a climb gone terribly awry...The pace of the novel is perfect for a young audience. The action doesn't quit, and 50 pages in the harrowing developments on the mountain become engrossing for any reader, any age...The book is also effective in teaching a lesson on how to cope with grief at a young age.” --Oregon Gazette Times
"A touching story about a daughter who wants to honor her mountaineer father, STORM MOUNTAIN will appeal to aspiring young climbers who want a taste of the big peaks. Tom Birdseye has more than 30 years of mountaineering experience, and it shows in this page-turning work." --Climbing Magazine
June 6, 2013
Genre: Realistic Fiction
REMEMBERING: What is the life event that bonds Cat and Ty together?
UNDERSTANDING: How do you think the story would have differed if it were written by an author without the 30 years of mountaineering experience that Tom Birdseye has?
APPLYING: What examples can you find in the beginning of this story that foreshadows the dangerous mission that is ahead for Cat and Ty?
ANALYZING: Even though both Cat and Ty share the same traumatic life event, they have each learned to cope differently to the event. What characteristics do each of them display that make them so different from each other?
EVALUATING: If you were Cat in this story, would you have followed Ty to retrieve your father's ashes from him in order to comply with your mother's wish to keep the ashes always with her in remembrance, or would you have stayed home and not risked your life on the mountain?
CREATING: How would the story change if it were written from the mothers' point of views?
REMEMBERING: What is the life event that bonds Cat and Ty together?
UNDERSTANDING: How do you think the story would have differed if it were written by an author without the 30 years of mountaineering experience that Tom Birdseye has?
APPLYING: What examples can you find in the beginning of this story that foreshadows the dangerous mission that is ahead for Cat and Ty?
ANALYZING: Even though both Cat and Ty share the same traumatic life event, they have each learned to cope differently to the event. What characteristics do each of them display that make them so different from each other?
EVALUATING: If you were Cat in this story, would you have followed Ty to retrieve your father's ashes from him in order to comply with your mother's wish to keep the ashes always with her in remembrance, or would you have stayed home and not risked your life on the mountain?
CREATING: How would the story change if it were written from the mothers' point of views?
April 1, 2012
I received Storm Mountain as a gift from a very thoughtful student who knows I like survival stories. This book is a work of fiction and though the story is quite implausible and a tad too sentimental for my taste, it does contain a lot of factual information about the sport of climbing. Interestingly, there really is a Storm Mountain located in Oregon, but it is neither in the Cascade range nor as tall as the book describes.
This book was just OK; granted, it's pretty hard for a fictional survival story to live up to a real one. I would probably recommend this to students in 3rd-5th grade, though some of the climbing jargon might be hard for them to grasp. It would make a good read-aloud story in a classroom though. It has some exciting and suspenseful chapters and kids will identify with the characters.
This book was just OK; granted, it's pretty hard for a fictional survival story to live up to a real one. I would probably recommend this to students in 3rd-5th grade, though some of the climbing jargon might be hard for them to grasp. It would make a good read-aloud story in a classroom though. It has some exciting and suspenseful chapters and kids will identify with the characters.
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June 8, 2012Audience: Grades 4-8 teachers looking to teach their students about survival skills or the importance of dealing with adversity.
Appeal: In the book cousins Cat and Ty go on an adventure to get rid of their father's ashes. Throughout the book they both encounter challenges that many students could relate to. They both come together in hopes of overcoming their problems and they get through it together. Throughout the book they talk about a lot of survival skills and many different climbing techniquence. I know students would find it very informative like I myself did. This is a great book for students to read who are looking to learn more about climbing and skills, or are interested in adventurous trips.
2012-2013 Intermediate Nominee
Appeal: In the book cousins Cat and Ty go on an adventure to get rid of their father's ashes. Throughout the book they both encounter challenges that many students could relate to. They both come together in hopes of overcoming their problems and they get through it together. Throughout the book they talk about a lot of survival skills and many different climbing techniquence. I know students would find it very informative like I myself did. This is a great book for students to read who are looking to learn more about climbing and skills, or are interested in adventurous trips.
2012-2013 Intermediate Nominee
Want to read
June 4, 2013Title: Storm Mountain
Audience: Intermediate
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Remembering
What was Ty's favorite food in the world and what was Cat's favorite food in the world?
Understanding
Describe what happened before Ty and Cat went up Storm Mountain?
Applying
What would you have done if you were Cat stuck on top of the crevasse with Ty stuck inside the crevasse?
Analyzing
What kind of relationship does Ty and Cat have?
Evaluating
What would you have done if you found out Ty went up Storm Mountain alone? Call the police? Follow him? Send out a Rescue Squad?
Creating
What changes or adjustments would you have made to make the ending more suspenseful?
Audience: Intermediate
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Remembering
What was Ty's favorite food in the world and what was Cat's favorite food in the world?
Understanding
Describe what happened before Ty and Cat went up Storm Mountain?
Applying
What would you have done if you were Cat stuck on top of the crevasse with Ty stuck inside the crevasse?
Analyzing
What kind of relationship does Ty and Cat have?
Evaluating
What would you have done if you found out Ty went up Storm Mountain alone? Call the police? Follow him? Send out a Rescue Squad?
Creating
What changes or adjustments would you have made to make the ending more suspenseful?
December 9, 2011
Interesting, if not totally believable MG story of two young teenage climbers who try to climb a mountain to scatter their fathers' ashes. This book is a quick read and part of the problem with that is that there is very little character develpment. The author jumps right into the heart of the narrative with very little introduction and therefore I had a hard time connecting with the characters. Likewise he wraps up the story all nice and neat and VERY quickly. It was a good story but not great and I felt like it could have benefitted from being fleshed out a bit.
June 7, 2013
Audience: Intermediate
Genre: Reality Fiction
1. On what month and day did Scott and Jonathan Taylor die on Storm Mountain?
2. Describe what is meant by irony. What part did it play in this story?
3. If you were Cat in the story, would you have headed up Storm Mountain in pursuit of Ty? Why or why not.
4. By the end of the story, how had the relationship between Ty and Cat changed?
5. How is Ty justified in stealing his uncle's ashes?
6. What changes would you make to the ending of the story to make it better?
Genre: Reality Fiction
1. On what month and day did Scott and Jonathan Taylor die on Storm Mountain?
2. Describe what is meant by irony. What part did it play in this story?
3. If you were Cat in the story, would you have headed up Storm Mountain in pursuit of Ty? Why or why not.
4. By the end of the story, how had the relationship between Ty and Cat changed?
5. How is Ty justified in stealing his uncle's ashes?
6. What changes would you make to the ending of the story to make it better?
February 3, 2014
Storm Mountain is about a girl and her cousin that go on an adventure and end up trapped and lost on a mountain. Not knowing if they will ever get home. In their adventure they try to get home. They face a lot of problems, struggles and suspense.
If I were to evaluate this book on a scale from 1 to 10 1 being the worse and 10 being the best id gives it a 2. It wasn’t as thrilling as I hoped it would’ve been. The story setting and climax were a little odd, and it happened too fast.
Quote: (“Here’s what you better understand “) bottom of page 45 of storm mountain
If I were to evaluate this book on a scale from 1 to 10 1 being the worse and 10 being the best id gives it a 2. It wasn’t as thrilling as I hoped it would’ve been. The story setting and climax were a little odd, and it happened too fast.
Quote: (“Here’s what you better understand “) bottom of page 45 of storm mountain
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August 18, 2015Great Book
Storm mountain is a great book about two kids who get stranded on a mountain when an avalanche comes. They try. To call 911 but their phone dies. Eventually the search and rescue team trace the call and find the two kids. The kids are cousins, nicknamed Cat and Ty. Their fathers both died together trying to claim the mountain. Cat and Ty try to claim the mountain because they are trying to spread their fathers ashes. Read the book if you want to know what happens next...
Storm mountain is a great book about two kids who get stranded on a mountain when an avalanche comes. They try. To call 911 but their phone dies. Eventually the search and rescue team trace the call and find the two kids. The kids are cousins, nicknamed Cat and Ty. Their fathers both died together trying to claim the mountain. Cat and Ty try to claim the mountain because they are trying to spread their fathers ashes. Read the book if you want to know what happens next...
December 31, 2010
If you are looking for a fast paced read, one that will keep you on the edge of your seat then you are looking for this book. I am alway open to a book that teaches me something as well. There is so much mountain climbing information in the book that it really held my interest. All the time I was reading this I kept thinking of one of my students in particular that I want to share this with when I go back to school. I think he will enjoy this book as much as I did.
June 4, 2012
Audience: 4-6 grade classroom teachers and students.
Appeal: Adventurous story about two cousins trying to survive a mountain. The main characters are easy to make connections to because Ty is spontaneous and Cat is a planner, providing opposite points of view. Mugs, the husky in the story, appeals to animal lovers. Students that enjoy reading books like Stone Fox or Iron Will would like this book.
(Golden Sower Nominee 2012-2013)
Appeal: Adventurous story about two cousins trying to survive a mountain. The main characters are easy to make connections to because Ty is spontaneous and Cat is a planner, providing opposite points of view. Mugs, the husky in the story, appeals to animal lovers. Students that enjoy reading books like Stone Fox or Iron Will would like this book.
(Golden Sower Nominee 2012-2013)
June 6, 2012
Audience: 4th-6th graders who enjoy realistic fiction, students who take interest in mountains and mountain climbing, elementary and middle school Geography teachers.
Appeal: This story uses mountain climbing vocabulary that may interest students who have an interest in mountain climbing. The book is action packed and would be good for students who enjoy suspense. It could also tie into geography curriculum with the vocabulary within the story.
(Golden Sower Nominee 2012-2013)
Appeal: This story uses mountain climbing vocabulary that may interest students who have an interest in mountain climbing. The book is action packed and would be good for students who enjoy suspense. It could also tie into geography curriculum with the vocabulary within the story.
(Golden Sower Nominee 2012-2013)
October 29, 2012
This is a book about two cousins whos dads died they were great climbers. Ty the boy takes his and his dads ashes and tries to climb up storm mountain where he was going to spread both dads ashes but Cat the girl didnt want her dads ashes to be spread Cat goes after Ty and they both get caught in a storm they get rescued and in the end both mums and both cousins climb up storm mountain and spread there dads ashes at the summit. This is a great book and I would recomend it to all 5-6 graders.
January 6, 2011
Cat freaks when her cousin Ty shows up claiming he's going to the summit of Storm Mountain to spread his father's ashes. He wants Cat to go with him, but he's going with or without her. Though she tries to convince him it isn't safe, they both end up in trouble when she goes after him. Will they survive this crazy scheme or perish like their fathers?
June 22, 2011
Thrill seekers will probably enjoy this ‘war’ between bickering cousins as they fight the elements on the mountain that took the lives of both their fathers. Careless vs. ‘by the book’ makes for added tension, while if the reader is aware they too will pick up some safety tips that you would want to have if caught out in a blizzard!
October 28, 2013
This book was about 2 kids who wanted to spread their dads ashes on top of Storm Mountain. I liked because the story included a dog. The dog had an important part in the story. My favorite part was when both kids saw someone that could help them get down from the mountain. I would recommend this book to girls in 5th grade.
January 22, 2016
Cat hasn't seen her cousin Ty since their dad were killed in a avalanche. One night when she is home alone she hears pounding on her door and is ready to dial 911 when she realizes who it is. Ty has decided that the two of them need to climb the mountain to spread their fathers ashes but Cat isn't convinced that it's a wise thing to do.
January 2, 2013
The story moves along pretty quickly with good detail on Mountain Storms and ice climbing. The descriptions with the two kids and dog, Mugs, in a snowcave were excellent! Readers who like Gary Paulsen would like this one too.
July 30, 2015
The book was okay. I loved the detail. Yes, I know Cat was a little annoying and rude being angry with Ty the entire time, but then I realize that I don't blame her, I would not have liked it if someone, no matter who you are, to take my father's ashes, plus my dog! Boy was Ty obnoxious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews