Working closely with the author of the highly acclaimed Sir Edmund Hillary: An Extraordinary Life, writer David Larsen has produced a readable, exciting book aimed at young readers in the 9-14 age range. Reaching the Summit follows in the tradition of successful recent books about Burt Munro and Sir Peter Blake, transforming bestselling adult books into accessible texts for younger readers. In Reaching the Summit the emphasis is at all times on high adventure. The book tells the story of the young Ed Hillary growing up in the Waikato, his increasing love of climbing and the outdoors, his early climbs and growing reputation, then the Everest expedition and the ascent on Mt Everest itself. It describes in gripping fashion the successful assault on the summit by Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and the aftermath. Reaching the Summit then goes with Hillary to Antarctica and the trek to the South Pole, then summarises the rest of his life.
About the Author
Alexa Johnston is of course the author of the bestselling Sir Edmund Hillary: An Extraordinary Life. She is a close friend of the Hillary family. Alexis is a former principal curator at the Auckland Art Gallery. She has also trekked in Nepal with members of the Hillary family.
4 Comments
this book is simply awesome.my stepson bought it over when he stayed, i like the read the books which the kids are reading and check them ut, this was fantastic.I havent read the “adult version” so i cant compare, but i dont think i need too! i enjoyed this!a wonderful idea to convert adult books into books for younger readers
My wife enjoyed reading this book and i still have to read it. She says once you pick it up you just want to kown what happens to these two. I might have to read it.
This is a great book to hold on about Sir Ed’s young life. It basically tells about his growing up of life in Waikato which i didn’t know. I have kept this book as a referece for my children when they do school projects on NZ famours people
Great book about learning to believe in yourself and reaching that goal