The Climb
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Brendan is scared when he and his older cousin begin to climb the mountain, but on the way down, it's Nora who becomes frightened. Nora coaxes her younger cousin Brendan to climb a mountain, but when she gets stuck in a cave at the top, it is her turn to be frightened while Brendan comes to her aid.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to start climbing?
How did the main character feel when facing challenges during the climb?
What did the main character learn about themselves at the top of the climb?
Can you think of a time when you accomplished something difficult? How did it make you feel?
What other ways do you think the main character could have tackled the obstacles they faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts on the character’s journey and relate it to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience as demonstrated by the main character in overcoming challenges.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story or different ways the character could have approached the climb.
Create a drawing or a craft that represents the mountain or challenges faced by the character, reinforcing the theme visually.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Climb', the young protagonist faces a challenging mountain ascent. Despite the obstacles, the character's determination to reach the summit is evident.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence when facing their own challenges, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates the protagonist working together with others, sharing tasks to make the climb easier.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate cooperation and collaboration, understanding that working with others can help accomplish difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Throughout the climb, the protagonist maintains a respectful attitude towards the natural surroundings, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to value and take care of the natural world, promoting environmentally responsible behaviors from a young age.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery when faced with daunting aspects of the climb, overcoming fear to continue.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of facing fears and the personal growth that can come from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Example Lesson: Preparation and Planning
Explanation: Before the climb, the protagonist plans the route and prepares necessary supplies, showing that success often requires careful planning and preparation.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of being prepared, whether it's for a school project, a family outing, or any new venture they might undertake.