The Contest
Everest
Turtleback Books 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- competition
- teamwork
- perseverance
- courage
- survival
- leadership
- risk-taking
- loyalty
About this book
In the first book of Gordon Korman’s Everest trilogy, a group of elite young climbers compete for a coveted spot on a record-setting expedition to the world’s highest peak. Training pushes them to their limits as they face thin air, fierce rivalry, and split-second decisions. Fast-paced chapters and cliffhanger moments keep readers turning pages. Perfect for adventure fans who like high-stakes challenges, teamwork, and survival stories without heavy content.
Setting: training sites in the Rocky Mountains and the slopes of Mount Everest, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Contest right for my child?
Yes — The Contest is a great fit for 5th grade. The reading level is AR 5.1, 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 competition, teamwork, perseverance.
How long does it take to read The Contest?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Contest takes around 3.1h to finish. The book has 31,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Contest have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Contest has an AR quiz available, worth 3 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 Contest?
The Contest has an AR reading level of 5.1, 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.