To the summit
by Claire Rudolf Murphy
Lemur Press 1992
Great fit for 6th 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
- courage
- teamwork
- risk and responsibility
- exploration
- goal-setting
- nature’s power
- resilience
About this book
This adventure nonfiction title explores the challenge and allure of the world’s great mountains, following climbers as they battle thin air, fierce weather, and their own limits on peaks like Denali and Everest. Claire Rudolf Murphy blends history, first-hand accounts, and the science of high-altitude climbing to show how preparation, teamwork, and grit make summits possible. Written in an accessible style for middle-school readers, it offers plenty of real-world tension without graphic detail. Kids who enjoy true survival stories and outdoor exploration will be hooked.
Setting: High mountain ranges worldwide, including the Himalaya, the Karakoram, and the Alaska Range
Frequently Asked Questions
Is To the summit right for my child?
Yes — To the summit is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.9, which is typical for 6th 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, courage, teamwork.
How long does it take to read To the summit?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, To the summit takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 42,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does To the summit have an AR quiz?
Yes — To the summit has an AR quiz available, worth 6 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 To the summit?
To the summit has an AR reading level of 6.9, which places it at a 6th 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.