Everest

Gr 4—8—"You" are the youngest member of a team trying to summit Mt. Everest. But success depends on making the right decisions. This action-packed adventure uses an interactive format not only to keep the story exciting but also to teach readers that the right choices can mean the difference between life and death. The team members are introduced with emphasis on their strengths and weaknesses and, since the choices offered are often dependent on cooperating with others, evaluating these traits plays a significant part in the decision-making. As situations are presented, readers choose to follow one of two paths and continue on it to an appropriate page. Many of the worst-case scenarios lead to failure or even death, some to partial success, and some moral choices result in personal loss but ethical triumph. Practical tips and advice for those thinking of climbing Everest are suggested by a consultant who has made that journey several times. Numerous black-and-white drawings appear throughout, and sometimes the text moves into graphic-novel mode for a few pages. The format and subject matter will be especially appealing to reluctant readers. A fun as well as informative addition.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY