Book Review

The Top of the World by Steve Jenkins describes one of the greatest challenges on earth, climbing Mount Everest. This book, which I really enjoyed, covers everything from getting ready to climb the mountain to the history and culture of the people living in and around the mountain.

When climbing Mount Everest everything counts. If you put one foot in the wrong place or trip over a small rock you could be putting not only yourself in danger but also all of the other climbers. Climbing Mount everest is a huge risk because once you reach a high altitude your brain and lungs could stop working properly. Every page in this incredible book is covered with amazing cut paper illustrations that make you feel as though you are there climbing the mountain too. Did you know that in 1980 Reniold Messner did what no one had done before? He climbed the mountain alone, without any bottled oxygen. In 1921 British explorers set out to reach the summit, this was the first organized attempt to climb the mountain although they never reached the summit. Many have tried to reach the summit but few have succeeded.

I think the theme of this book is perseverance and hard work because that is what it takes to climb the mountain and that is what each and every one of the climbers who attempted to climb the mountain had.

Not only did this book teach me about Mount Everest, but it also made me more interested in it. I am looking forward to reading more books about it. I would give this book four out of five stars because of its beautiful illustrations. I recommend this book for ages 5-10.

~ Rozzie Hayden, Longfellow School
"Read, Write & Win!" 2004, Second Place / 5th Grade