MODULE 4: THE TOP OF THE WORLD CLIMBING MOUNT EVEREST

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Jenkins, Steve. 1999. THE TOP OF THE WORLD: CLIMBING MOUNT EVEREST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0395942187

PLOT SUMMARY:
This information book begins with general physical description and facts about Mount Everest. A brief biography of some of the first conquerors of the peak follows. Next, one is shown all of the necessary equipment needed to successfully prepare for an expedition. Then the expedition begins. The reader follows the rest of the text through a voyage onto Mount Everest. All of the dangers and potential disasters, including avalanches, oxygen deprivation, and frostbite, are included in the discussion about the journey. This is not a glamorous presentation. The peril involved in this journey is not glazed over. The last page relays the final feeling one would have as s/he stood at the top of Mount Everest.


CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Being the tallest and most formidable mountain in the world, Mount Everest fills adults and children with awe and curiosity. Few individuals have an opportunity to attempt climb to the base camp let alone the top of the peak itself. This book provides a close look at facts surrounding the mysterious mountain and a glimpse inside an expedition from start to finish. This book is a trip up to the peak. It is not a list of interesting tidbits about Mount Everest and all of her mysteries. Those facts are included but not in a list format. They are entrenched into the tale of the expedition and in caption that accompany smaller illustrations.
The book is attractive and eye catching. One would see it on the shelf and be interested. The front cover is a torn paper collage of a climber standing on the top of Mount Everest. The clouds surrounding him are enchanting, and the snow on the peak is crisp. Each illustration in the book is a torn paper collage; each is compelling and interesting. The torn paper method does not lead to incredible detail. This is an effective technique for this book. These illustrations fill every square inch of the page. The reader is drawn to the pictures, but these collages do not distract the reader from the meaning and information possessed in the text. The illustrations on pages 10-11 and 24-25 are excellent examples. Both pairs of pages contain climbers. The climbers’ features are non-descript. In fact the bodies have a generic squared quality. These individuals seem to be swallowed into the mountain scene which has text overlaid with the pictures. On pages 24-25, the clouds of Everest seem to direct one’s eyes toward the text.
Teachers, parents, and others can feel confident with the information presented in this book. First, it is an Orbis Pictus Honor book. It has received many positive reviews from various sources. A bibliography of resources is included. The information has support and structure. This accuracy allows for the book to be shared with young readers without general fear of misinformation.
Mount Everest is an informational book that will appeal to readers at all levels and ages. Mr. Jenkins chooses vocabulary that is content specific but is not overly complex. At times when he does use terms that are unknown and Everest-specific, he includes pictures and added explanation. Examples of this can be seen when he describes what a Sherpa is and on the pages where he outlines all of the special gear one must pack for the trip. Many of the items are common items. But Mr. Jenkins included a picture to narrow the type of sleeping bag or tent one would need. He uses the proper terms for unknown items as well, such as the crampons and the jumar. Both are highly specified items. A picture and a definition are included. Mr. Jenkins does not call the crampons “pointy boot covers”; he uses the proper terminology.
This book is not divided into chapters or sections. However there is a logical organizational pattern for the book. First, one is introduced to the mountain. This includes background information and maps explanations. Next the journey up the mountain begins. One begins in Nepal and reads through the rest of the book as though s/he is actually climbing. There is a major section of text that describes a section of the journey. There are also smaller pictures and captions that give further insight or cite unusual facts about this particular segment of one’s Everest journey. This journey is not painted as fun and simple. The danger and precaution that must be taken are not glazed over. Frostbite and oxygen debt are discussed thoroughly. No reader closes the book believing that this adventure was anything but a sacrifice. The last page of the book contains Everest climbing records, a bibliography, and a diagram of the world’s tallest peaks and how they compare to Everest.
Even if one has never considered climbing Mount Everest, or any other mountain, one is filled with awe at the power and formidableness of this particular mountain. After reading all the climbers have to endure, this reviewer finds it amazing that anyone has ever made it to the top of the peak. Reading many of the climbing records and feats that individuals have conquered while on this mountain fills the reader with a renewed sense of the power of the human spirit and determination. It makes one think “If that climber could endure that, surely I can endure whatever challenge I am facing”. It is inspirational.
After reading this book, one may consider trying to put an expedition together. Or be relieved that reading this book gave them the feeling without having to endure the hardships of such a journey.


REVIEW EXCERPTS:
*2002 Orbis Pictus Honor Book
*From LIBRARY JOURNAL: “A windfall of facts about Everest and the daring mountaineers who have attempted to reach its summit. Breathtaking cut-paper collages capture the dramatic vistas and the frightening realities of high-altitude climbs.”
*From KIRKUS REVIEWS: “Visually arresting and inspiring.”
*From HORN BOOK: “From start to finish, Jenkins has created a breathtaking tour-de-force.”


CONNECTIONS:
Introductory pictures of Mount Everest
Pictures of Mt. Everest

Additional information
Mount Everest - Peakware World Mountain Encyclcopedia
Facts about Mount Everest (8848 meters) Nepal Vista


Using the information in the text and information gathered from other sources, students will plan an imaginary trip to Mount Everest. They will estimate initial costs of the expedition as well as attempt to anticipate other costs that could arise after the trip for example, hospital care. They could map possible routes. The topic of whether or not the team should practice climbing different mountains first would be discussed—there would be additional costs involved.

Using the names of the other explorers who have attempted-successfully or not—climbed Mount Everest, students would complete a powerpoint presentation about one of the explorers and/or one of his/her journeys to Everest.

Students would write a creative short story about an adventure s/he had had.