Everest: The Remarkable Story of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay
illustrations by
on Goodreads (241)
What’s inside...
In the late morning of May 29, 1953, the sun was shining brightly and a gentle breeze was blowing on the highest elevation of the world--and two men were there to witness it for the first time ever. Their names were Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, and they had ascended Everest. This is the breathtaking story of how two very different, yet equally determined, men battled frost-biting temperatures, tumbling ice rocks, powerful winds, and death-defying ridges to reach the top of the world's highest mountain. Combining fresh and contemporary illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton with Alexandra Stewart's captivating writing, this unique narrative tells the story of how Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay made their mark on the world from birth right up to their final days and the impact they've had on Nepal today.
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Edmund Hillary
Tenzing Norgay
John Hunt
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay to climb Mount Everest?
How do you feel when you face a big challenge? What can we learn from the climbers about facing challenges?
What qualities do you think are important for a successful team? How did Hillary and Norgay demonstrate these qualities?
How did the environment and weather on Everest affect the climbers' journey?
What can this story teach us about setting goals and working hard to achieve them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal story about a time you faced a difficult challenge and how you overcame it, to create a connection with the book's themes.
Ask your child to describe how they might feel if they were on a similar adventure, encouraging empathy and imagination.
Highlight teamwork by discussing Hillary and Norgay’s partnership, then delve into the importance of trust and cooperation in achieving common goals.
Encourage critical thinking by discussing the various decisions the climbers had to make and ask your child what they would have done in those situations.
After reading, explore more about Mount Everest together through documentaries or articles, reinforcing the learning and satisfying any curiosity sparked by the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The story vividly illustrates the relentless efforts of Hillary and Norgay as they face and overcome numerous challenges to reach the summit of Everest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting in their studies or other challenging activities, learning that consistent effort can help them achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Hillary and Norgay's successful ascent was made possible through their mutual support and the teamwork of the entire expedition team.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to appreciate working in groups during school projects or team sports, understanding that collaboration can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: The partnership between New Zealander Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay from Nepal highlights the importance of respecting and learning from different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace and learn from diverse cultures in their classrooms and communities, fostering a world-view that appreciates different perspectives and contributions.
Example Lesson: The rewards of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book portrays the curiosity and adventurous spirits of Hillary and Norgay as they explore unknown territories.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay curious about the world around them, explore new hobbies, and learn about places and people that are different from their usual environment.
Example Lesson: Humility in achievements
Explanation: Despite their monumental achievement, both climbers remained humble, emphasizing the collective effort over individual glory.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of humility, allowing them to celebrate their achievements without overshadowing others and recognizing the contributions of all team members.