The Climb
Tragic Ambitions on Everest
by Anatoli Boukreev, G. Weston DeWalt
St. Martin's Griffin 2015
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 8.7 (8th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- leadership and responsibility
- ethics under pressure
- risk-taking
- teamwork
- human vs. nature
- resilience
- perspective and controversy
About this book
This gripping true account follows elite climber Anatoli Boukreev through the 1996 Everest disaster, offering a ground-level view of decisions, weather, and human endurance at the roof of the world. Co-authored with G. Weston DeWalt, it presents Boukreev’s perspective on the events that shocked the mountaineering community. High school readers who love survival stories, outdoor adventure, and real-world ethical dilemmas will be drawn in by the intense pace and vivid detail. It’s a thoughtful, dramatic narrative that invites readers to consider leadership, risk, and responsibility in extreme conditions.
Setting: Mount Everest, Southeast Ridge route, spring 1996
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Climb right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Climb. The reading level is AR 8.7, 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, ethics under pressure.
How long does it take to read The Climb?
At a typical 8th grade reading pace, The Climb takes around 13h to finish. The book has 136,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Climb have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Climb 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 The Climb?
The Climb has an AR reading level of 8.7, 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.