Tiger of the Snows
Tenzing Norgay: The Boy Whose Dream Was Everest (with audio recording)
Simon and Schuster 2014
Challenging read for K–3rd grade
Reading level 5.2 (5th grade) is above the ages 5–9 interest range
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- dreams and aspirations
- teamwork
- courage
- exploration and adventure
- resilience
- cultural identity
- nature and mountains
About this book
This lyrical picture-book biography follows Tenzing Norgay from his boyhood in the shadow of Mount Everest to the years he spent training, guiding, and dreaming of the mountain’s upper reaches. Robert Burleigh’s spare, poetic text and striking art capture the grit, patience, and heart it takes to chase a big dream. Young readers who love true adventure and stories of real-life heroes will find inspiration in Tenzing’s determination and teamwork. A great fit for elementary readers and classroom discussions about goals, effort, and exploration.
Setting: Mount Everest and the Himalayas (Nepal/Tibet), early to mid-20th century
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tiger of the Snows right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Tiger of the Snows. The reading level is AR 5.2, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include perseverance, dreams and aspirations, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Tiger of the Snows?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Tiger of the Snows takes around 5m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Tiger of the Snows have an AR quiz?
Yes — Tiger of the Snows has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 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 Tiger of the Snows?
Tiger of the Snows has an AR reading level of 5.2, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — 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.