The Kid Who Climbed Everest
The Incredible Story of a 23-Year-Old's Summit of Mt. Everest
by Bear Grylls
Globe Pequot 2004
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 7.8 (7th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- courage
- survival
- adventure
- teamwork
- leadership
- goal-setting
- overcoming adversity
About this book
At just 23, Bear Grylls set out to climb the world’s highest peak—and this gripping memoir shares how he prepared, struggled, and persevered to stand on top of Everest. From training and setbacks to thin air and dangerous ice, readers get a front-row seat to real-life adventure. Written in an accessible, fast-paced style, it inspires teens who love survival stories and true tales of grit. A great pick for readers who enjoy outdoor challenges and pushing personal limits.
Setting: Mount Everest and the Himalayas, late 1990s; training in the U.K. and Nepal
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Kid Who Climbed Everest right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Kid Who Climbed Everest. The reading level is AR 7.8, which is typical for 7th 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 perseverance, courage, survival.
How long does it take to read The Kid Who Climbed Everest?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, The Kid Who Climbed Everest takes around 9.1h to finish. The book has 95,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Kid Who Climbed Everest have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Kid Who Climbed Everest has an AR quiz available, worth 14 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 Kid Who Climbed Everest?
The Kid Who Climbed Everest has an AR reading level of 7.8, which places it at a 7th 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.