The Summit
Scholastic Inc. 2002
Great fit for 5th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- survival
- perseverance
- teamwork
- courage
- competition
- leadership
- ethics and responsibility
- media pressure
About this book
In the final leg of a high-stakes expedition, four young climbers race to be the youngest to reach the top of Mount Everest. With brutal weather, thin air, and mounting pressure from the world watching, every decision could mean the difference between success and disaster. Told in fast-paced, cliffhanger chapters, the story blends survival details with big emotions and tough choices. Perfect for adventure fans in the middle grades who love action, competition, and teamwork under extreme conditions.
Setting: Mount Everest, Nepal; modern day high-altitude camps and summit push
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Summit right for my child?
Yes — The Summit 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 survival, perseverance, teamwork.
How long does it take to read The Summit?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Summit takes around 3.2h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Summit have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Summit 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 Summit?
The Summit 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.