One Wrong Step

It’s 1939 when Alex Wade’s father takes Alex on an expedition to the summit of Mt. Everest. Alex is 12 and has been hiking and climbing all his life. No one has successfully climbed Everest yet, and Alex’s father won’t let him go past base camp. Alex isn’t happy that there is a girl, Maddie, his age, brought by her father. Alex and Maddie are left behind with a sherpa, Chodak, when the rest of the team goes up to complete the climb, but there is an avalanche near the top, and the team may be lost. A radio signal sends Alex, Maddie, and Chodak on a rescue mission. Chodak is injured, and Alex and Maddie continue on their own.

Jennifer A. Nielsen has written an exciting story with plenty of problems and danger to keep the pages turning. The characters are all well-rounded and believable, and the setting becomes a significant character in the story, challenging all the other characters in ways they often don’t see coming. The writing is excellent, and the story is most compelling. The book is marketed as being for 8-12-year-olds, but 10-14 makes more sense. Older kids and adults will also enjoy it.