The Climb
Scholastic Inc. 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- teamwork
- competition
- survival
- courage
- risk-taking
- leadership
- integrity
About this book
In the second book of Gordon Korman’s Everest trilogy, a group of elite young climbers races higher up the world’s tallest mountain, determined to set a youngest-summiter record. Thin air, brutal weather, and mounting rivalries test their limits at every camp. Fast chapters, cliffhangers, and high-stakes decisions keep readers turning pages. Perfect for adventure fans who like survival stories, teamwork under pressure, and realistic mountaineering details.
Setting: Mount Everest and base camps in Nepal/Tibet, present day
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Climb right for my child?
Yes — The Climb is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include perseverance, teamwork, competition.
How long does it take to read The Climb?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Climb takes around 3.0h to finish. The book has 30,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Climb have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Climb has an AR quiz available, worth 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 The Climb?
The Climb has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.