Mount Everest and Beyond: Sir Edmond Hillary

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-The climbing of Mount Everest is only a small part of the story told in this simple and well-written biography. Much more basic to understanding Hillary (or Ed as the author somewhat jarringly calls him) is his attraction to the Himalayas and his fondness for the people who live there. The text describes how this son of a New Zealand beekeeper became interested in mountain climbing, stressing his friendship with the Sherpa guides who accompanied him on various expeditions. Particularly eloquent is the description of his relationship with Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who joined him in the final push to Everest's summit. Also covered are Hillary's later years, including the tragic loss of his first wife and a daughter in a plane crash, and his ongoing efforts to improve living conditions for the Sherpas through the building of schools and hospitals. Both the introduction, written by Hillary himself, and the final passages of the book acknowledge the mixed blessing that change has brought to these people. Large, full-color photographs illustrate the narrative. The language is clear and the sentences are short without being choppy.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City