At an elevation of 28,251 feet, K2 is the second highest mountain in the world—surpassed only by Mt. Everest. Experts agree a climb to the ominous peak of K2 is a more difficult and dangerous climb. INTO THE CLOUDS is the story of three separate American attempts to reach the top—first in 1938, followed by 1939, and then finally 1953.

Each of the accounts are filled with details of the harrowing journey. Individuals with the drive to even attempt such a climb come from different parts of the U.S., but all share the desire to do what many believed at the time to be impossible.

Details of each climb will have you on the edge of your seat. Halfway through the first story, I couldn’t help but question why would someone want to do something so life threatening. One of the climbers summed it up further with these chilling words: “It tries to kill you.”

I kept reading and discovered they do it for the sheer love of climbing and the freedom it provides. It’s a brotherhood (and since then a sisterhood) only few experience.

The stories are superbly researched, filled with black and white photos and a few drawings. Each detail is an often sad reminder of the toll this mountain can take. And don’t miss the excellent back of the book material. Included are images of the gear needed to attack K2, a compelling author’s note, and further sources.

Perfect for ages ten and up. Kids and adults alike will get caught up in the excitement presented within these pages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tod Olson is the author of the narrative nonfiction series, LOST, and the historical fiction series How to Get Rich. He has written for national magazines on the Columbine school shooting, homeless teens, the murder of Matthew Shepard, and many other stories of interest to children and young adults. Tod holds an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives in Vermont with his family, his mountain bike, and his electric reclining chair. To learn more, and to download free teaching resources, visit his website: todolson.com.

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration:

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.