Into Thin Air
A Personal Account of the Everest Disaster
by Jon Krakauer
Pan 2011
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 8.9 (8th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- survival
- leadership and responsibility
- risk and ambition
- nature’s power
- teamwork and trust
- ethics and decision-making
- grief and resilience
- truth and perspective
About this book
Journalist and climber Jon Krakauer recounts his firsthand experience on Mount Everest during the infamous 1996 season. Written like a fast-paced adventure, it explores the physical and mental challenges of extreme altitude, split-second decisions, and shifting weather. Teens who love true survival stories and high-stakes nonfiction will be drawn to the vivid detail and ethical questions it raises. Best for mature high school readers due to intense situations.
Setting: Mount Everest, Nepal (Himalayas), 1996 climbing season
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Into Thin Air right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Into Thin Air. The reading level is AR 8.9, which is typical for 8th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include survival, leadership and responsibility, risk and ambition.
How long does it take to read Into Thin Air?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, Into Thin Air takes around 13h to finish. The book has 135,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Into Thin Air have an AR quiz?
Yes — Into Thin Air has an AR quiz available, worth 21 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 Into Thin Air?
Into Thin Air has an AR reading level of 8.9, which places it at a 8th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — 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.