To the Top! Climbing the World's Highest Mountain

Step into Reading, Step 5

by Sydelle Kramer

Here is the gripping story of Hillary and Norgay's perilous ascent of Mount Everest as they battled snow and ice slides, whipping winds, and the grim knowledge that 19 others had died in the same attempt.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Geography, Biography

48 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1993

About the author

Sydelle Kramer is the author of many nonfiction graded readers. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Reviews

[What April's Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting easy reader, Level 5, on the first to climb to the top of Mount Everest.

[JayD · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To the Top! Climbing the World's Highest Mountain" is a straightforward retelling of the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest. For children who like non-fiction it's a thrilling adventure story of the two men who made the first successful climb of the highest mountain in the world. It mentions the dangers inherent in such an expedition, and has each man save the life of the other on the way up. Very exciting.

The book is a Step into Reading level 5, 'ready for chapters' book, i.e., grades 2-4. I'd say ages 5 through 7 would enjoy it, and can see older children who want an easy read finding it interesting:

"Hillary and Tenzing climb very carefully. They use a special tool called an ice ax to chop steps in the ice. So that they don't slip and slide, they strap spikes called crampons to their boots."

The illustrations are attractive and well-chosen. For example, the paragraph above clearly shows Tenzing's boots with the spikes strapped on while he sticks his ice ax in the steep wall of ice he's climbing, with his oxygen bottle attached to his backpack. In only 48 simple pages the book manages to convey a good bit of relevant information. I should have happily given it five stars, but then I came to page 45, which follows after each man has been publicly honored.

"But some people begin to argue about the expedition. Which climber is better? Which man reached the summit first? Some believe Hillary is getting more credit than Tenzing since he is a white man and Tenzing is brown."

Is it impossible for children's authors to write books for small children without jamming their divisive politics into them? I've read a fair bit about the Everest expedition and never once heard or read a single person make such a stupid comment. What a shame to end such a well-told story on such a sour note. Sadly, this one won't be going on to our bookshelves. Publishers should take note.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illus. in full color. Here is the gripping story of Hillary and Norgay's perilous ascent of Mount Everest as they battled snow and ice slides, whipping winds, and the grim knowledge that 19 others had died in the same attempt.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

These people were either brave or stupid to embark on such a perilous journey just for fame.

[Martina Aiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a children's book
It does not have complex characters, plot, theme or anything
But it is enjoyable to read and really good to inspire little children

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

We read this as part of our China and surrounding area study. Meh. It was a pretty flat book. The story telling was stale and rather boring. There was no sense of excitement or danger. Perhaps because of the length (short) it didn't really develop the story or the characters. The illustrations were decent but not engaging.

I won't use this book again. While it was the only children's book on Everest the two closest libraries had, it just didn't work. Any suggestions?

[Hawa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book and I think it was great that Tenzing and Hillary almost lost their
lives for climbing the world's highest mountain.
I was surprised when they made it to the top of the mountain without getting hurt or anything.
I am glad that people found out different ways to get to the top. I would like to go see the top in a helicopter
not by risking my life.

[Michelle Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very readable account of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay (Sherpa) and their successful climb to the top of Mount Everest. The story targets younger readers but includes enough depth that older readers would enjoy it as well. Details on the path they took and what it takes to reach the top are included. A good nonfiction pick for grades 3-5.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that it's a good book. it is also exciting. I like it because Hilary and Tenzing make it to the top. They are the first ones to make it to the top of the mountain. It took a long time to make it to the top because it's the biggest mountain in the world.

[Gena Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

With simple text and a mix of actual photographs and artist illustrations Kramer tells the story of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing who, together conquered the tallest mountain in the world for the first time.
Informative and interesting.
3rd grade and up.

[Mustafa · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a very good book. I learned who were the first people to climb the world highest mountain.Also, they were the people to get awards.