Gr 4-8-In this stunningly illustrated volume, readers learn about how Skreslet worked hard and challenged himself to achieve his dream of climbing Mount Everest. He talks about his overprotective parents and his unyielding desire for adventure, leaving home at age 17 to join the merchant marines, and his love of mountain climbing. Although he states that he had "poor balance, was afraid of heights and was clumsy," he persevered to overcome those challenges. He shows the incredible dangers of mountain climbing, and children will enthusiastically cheer him on and applaud his success. Dozens of color photographs inform readers about the equipment involved and show pictures of people, animals, and mountains in Nepal. Blue information boxes are scattered throughout the volume to serve up tidbits about "Sherpas," "The Yeti," and "Going to the Bathroom" on a snowy mountain. This exhilarating book is a great addition to the popular literature about climbing Mount Everest.
Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
Gr. 5-9. Lifelong climbing enthusiast Skreslet shares his 1982 trek up Everest when he became one of the first Canadians to make it to the top. Skreslet takes readers through every exciting, excruciating element of the climb. Beautiful color photographs abound. Still shots show Skreslet's climbing team, the Sherpa guides who accompanied them, and the equipment they used. The action shots of the climb itself are spectacular. In addition to relating the events that took place during his climb, Skreslet offers valuable information about Everest, about the effects of altitude on the body, and about natural life on the mountain. Intriguing sidebars answer relevant questions concerning avalanches and mountain climbing fatalities, as well as how climbers eat and go to the bathroom. Skreslet's amiable presentation will have great appeal both for readers and browsers, who will learn much within the context of a true-life adventure. A glossary is appended. Roger Leslie
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