No Summit Out of Sight: The True Story of the Youngest Person to Climb the Seven Summits

Inspired by a mural in his California school depicting the highest mountain on each continent, nine-year-old Romero vowed that he would reach those "Seven Summits." Smoothly piloted by LeBlanc, this chronicle reveals how Romero, now 18, achieved this goal at a record-setting age, scaling each mountain under the guidance of his father and stepmother, professional athletes who compete in extreme adventure races. Romero sets the scene for each climb--from Mount Kilimanjaro in 2006 to Antarctica's Mount Vinson in 2011--with notes on each region's culture, people, topography, climate, vegetation, wildlife, altitude, and atmospheric changes. While informative, segments detailing trip preparation and training are (expectedly) less gripping than accounts of perilous climbing expeditions; in the most dramatic one, Romero describes being slammed by an avalanche on Mount Everest. The emotional pitch of the story remains high as Romero contends with extreme weather, frustration, exhaustion, and homesickness to reach, with almost palpable exhilaration, each peak. Photos document steps Romero's odyssey throughout the book and in a color insert. Ages 12-up. (May)

Gr 6 Up--At the age of 15, Romero became the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits, the tallest mountain on each continent. He set this goal for himself at age nine, when he saw a mural on the wall of his elementary school and wondered what it would be like to stand on each of those peaks. Other parents might postpone such lofty aspirations, but Jordan's father and stepmother, extreme adventure racers who compete all over the world, encouraged him. Neighbors, friends, and corporations helped with sponsorships and fund-raisers, while Romero's parents trained and accompanied him. From their first climb, Mount Kilimanjaro, where he set the record as a 10-year-old, to Everest at a record-setting 13, each peak presented unique and more difficult challenges. LeBlanc has written about mountaineering and of Everest, but Romero's voice comes through, as he excitedly describes, in first-person narrative, his emotions, hardships, occasional doubts, and reactions to foreign countries and cultures. It takes a certain amount of self-confidence to attempt and to persevere in the face of such an overwhelming task, and it is obvious that Romero has the bravado to do what many critics told him he couldn't. He continues to inspire young people to lead healthier lives and to follow their dreams with his 50-state "Find Your Everest tour," speaking about the importance of spending time outdoors, as well as climbing the highest peak in each state. Although the length of the book may be intimidating, it is an easy read and will appeal to adventure seekers.--MaryAnn Karre, West Middle School, Binghamton, NY