Sacred Mountain: Everest

by Christine Taylor-Butler

Overview

A photo-essay exploring the cultural, geological, and ecological history of Mount Everest, focusing on the indigenous Sherpa and their spiritual connection to the mountain, record-setting climbing expeditions, and the effects of tourism on the environment.

Mount Everest--a place of mystery, majesty, and unparalleled beauty--rises into the sky higher than any other mountain on Earth. Many stories have been told about the dangers and triumphs of climbing to the summit; but few have been written about the Sherpa, the people who have lived on the mountain for centuries and consider it sacred. Known for their bravery, strength, and skill in navigating the mountain's treacherous slopes, Sherpas have played a crucial role in Mount Everest's exploration since the 1920s. In recent years, however, increasing tourism has threatened the mountain's fragile ecosystem. The Sherpa now face the challenge of restoring and protecting this sacred mountain for their future and for the world.

With stunning photographs and engaging text, Scared Mountain presents a unique picture of Mount Everest--its history, its ecology, and especially its people--that will captivate readers of all ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781600609503
Publisher:	Lee & Low Books
Publication date:	05/01/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Lexile:	1020L (what's this?)
File size:	32 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	8 - 13 Years

About the Author

Christine Taylor-Butler has written more than sixty books for children, including biographies, state histories, and several science and fiction series. She is also the author of the award-winning Sacred Mountain, published by Lee & Low Books. An avid reader since she was a child, Taylor-Butler believes that for many children books are their introduction to the vast diversity on our planet. Taylor-Butler is a past president of the Missouri Writers Guild, sits on the board of their children's literature chapter, and is a member of the MIT Regional Educational Council. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and their two daughters. Visit her online at ChristineTaylorButler.com.

Christine Taylor-Butler has written more than sixty books for children, including biographies, state histories, and several science and fiction series. She is also the author of the award-winning Sacred Mountain, published by Lee & Low Books. An avid reader since she was a child, Taylor-Butler believes that for many children books are their introduction to the vast diversity on our planet. Taylor-Butler is a past president of the Missouri Writers Guild, sits on the board of their children’s literature chapter, and is a member of the MIT Regional Educational Council. She lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband and their two daughters. Visit her online at ChristineTaylorButler.com.

Editorial Reviews

Older books on Everest tended to concentrate on the story of New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay's historic ascent. This new book, with photos showing climbers from 1920 to 2008 and glimpses into the lives of the long-term inhabitants of the region, emphasizes the relationship of the Sherpa to the mountain they call Chomolungma, "Goddess Mother of the World." Living for many centuries in the Himalayas, the Sherpa have adapted to the climate and the land and learned to use their limited resources. They have continued to embrace the Buddhist religion, and some of the most interesting photos picture religious practices. Taylor-Butler effectively describes the efforts of Nepal's government, Tenzing Norgay's sons and other Sherpa and several foundations dedicated to the preservation of the region and its people to keep the mountain environmentally safe while more and more climbers from many countries tackle one of the greatest challenges on earth. Unfortunately there is no index, but for young armchair travelers who may make the climb someday, this mixture of science, geography, culture and the original extreme sport is irresistible. (glossary, author's sources and websites) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews

"For young armchair travelers who may make the climb someday, this mixture of science, geography, culture and the original extreme sport is irresistible." — Kirkus Reviews

"The informative text is amply illustrated with well-chosen black-and-white and color photographs... [A] useful supplement." — School Library Journal

Best Children's Books of the Year - Bank Street College of Education
Society of Midland Authors Award - Society of Midland Authors

From the Publisher