Everest
Mountain Without Mercy
by Broughton Coburn
National Geographic Books 2015
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- courage
- perseverance
- teamwork
- leadership
- human vs. nature
- exploration
- resilience
About this book
National Geographic’s Everest: Mountain Without Mercy follows the 1996 IMAX expedition that became part epic film shoot and part real-life rescue. Through gripping narrative and stunning photographs, readers experience the harsh beauty of the mountain, the challenges of extreme altitude, and the resilience of climbers and Sherpa teams. The book blends adventure, science, and culture, making it a compelling read for middle school and up. Kids who love true survival stories and high-stakes exploration are especially drawn to this title.
Setting: Mount Everest, Nepal–Tibet border, spring 1996 (Base Camp to the summit)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Everest right for my child?
Yes — Everest is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.4, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include survival, courage, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Everest?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Everest takes around 2.6h to finish. The book has 27,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Everest have an AR quiz?
Yes — Everest has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Everest?
Everest has an AR reading level of 7.4, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.