Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains
By Anita Yasuda
The Story
A determined mountaineer dreams of climbing despite being told no by men, sponsors, and gear made only for men's hands — so she leads an all-women team up Everest, battling avalanches and icy crevasses along the way.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's been told 'that's not for you' and refused to believe it — this is the true story of the woman who climbed higher than anyone had told her she could.
- Big idea: Doors that won't open for you are sometimes just doors you have to build yourself.
- Vibes: Determined, awe-inspiring, quietly triumphant
Perfect For Kids Who
- are drawn to true stories about real trailblazers
- like to imagine daring adventures in wild, icy places
- are working on not giving up when someone says no
- respond well to lush, atmospheric illustrations
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What did Junko do when the men wouldn't climb with her and the gloves didn't fit her hands?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Junko felt when people told her to stay home instead of climbing?
- Real-life connection: Has anyone ever told you that you couldn't do something? What did you do?
- Imagination: What do you think it felt like to stand on top of Mount Everest after climbing up, up, ever up?
- Big ideas: Why do you think Junko wanted to protect the mountains after she climbed them?
