Peak
Roland Smith
ISBN:9780152062682
About the book:
After Peak Marcello is arrested for scaling a New York City skyscraper, he’s left with two choices: wither away in Juvenile Detention or to go live with his long-lost father, who runs a climbing company in Thailand. But Peak quickly learns that his father’s renewed interest in him has strings attached. Big strings. He wants Peak to be the youngest person to reach the Everest summit—and his motives are selfish at best. Even so, for a climbing addict like Peak, tackling Everest is the challenge of a lifetime. But it’s also one that could cost him his life.
About the author:
ROLAND SMITH has written many books for children and young adults, including Zach’s Lie, an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. He lives outside Portland, Oregon.
Discussion Questions:
Below is an excerpt from the student reading guide for Peak. Click here to download the complete reading guide for Peak.
The appendix can also be downloaded by clicking on this link Peak Appendix.
Frontloading – Everest Research
With a partner(s), develop ten questions you have about climbing Mt. Everest. Record in your journal.
With your partner(s) search and decipher the Web for valid and reliable sites to gain answers to your questions and other important or interesting data.Also, search and peruse print text that will help you as well.
On your own, record three sites in different colors for a Bibliography
Skim over the questions as you read the information on your own. Try to focus on what you want to know and what other interesting information is shared.
Bullet information using short phrases. Each source should be recorded in your journal in a different color. If one source repeats information, simply place a + sign next to the original information with the different color. Do the same thing with the third source. If the information is different, bullet it with the appropriate color. This will save you time and help you check to be sure information is accurate. Review your questions every so often to see if you are getting the information you wanted. HINT: You should always stay focused on the purpose of your research and the audience to whom you will present.
Compare information with your partner(s). Are there any facts that don’t match?? If so, search and examine one or two more sites to verify which information is correct – don’t forget to record these in different colors, too.
Organize your information by creating five to six categories using note cards, such as, geographical features, human experiences, indigenous people, statistics, equipment, etc. This can be completed with your partner(s) or on your own.
Reflect on the information you have gathered. Decide if you would attempt the summit of Everest or not. (This is to be completed on your own!)n 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"On your own, write a persuasive essay convincing your partner(s) to join you on a trip to climb Everest OR convincing them not to go. Do NOT discuss whether or not you would like to go to Everest with your partner(s).
10a. Write out a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) stating whether or not your partner(s) convinced you AND why.
b. Write out a juicy paragraph (8-12 sentences) why you would or would not want to attempt the climb to the PEAK of Mt. Everest.
The appendix can also be downloaded by clicking on this link Peak Appendix.
Frontloading – Everest Research
With a partner(s), develop ten questions you have about climbing Mt. Everest. Record in your journal.
With your partner(s) search and decipher the Web for valid and reliable sites to gain answers to your questions and other important or interesting data.Also, search and peruse print text that will help you as well.
On your own, record three sites in different colors for a Bibliography
Skim over the questions as you read the information on your own. Try to focus on what you want to know and what other interesting information is shared.
Bullet information using short phrases. Each source should be recorded in your journal in a different color. If one source repeats information, simply place a + sign next to the original information with the different color. Do the same thing with the third source. If the information is different, bullet it with the appropriate color. This will save you time and help you check to be sure information is accurate. Review your questions every so often to see if you are getting the information you wanted. HINT: You should always stay focused on the purpose of your research and the audience to whom you will present.
Compare information with your partner(s). Are there any facts that don’t match?? If so, search and examine one or two more sites to verify which information is correct – don’t forget to record these in different colors, too.
Organize your information by creating five to six categories using note cards, such as, geographical features, human experiences, indigenous people, statistics, equipment, etc. This can be completed with your partner(s) or on your own.
Reflect on the information you have gathered. Decide if you would attempt the summit of Everest or not. (This is to be completed on your own!)n 0in 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in"On your own, write a persuasive essay convincing your partner(s) to join you on a trip to climb Everest OR convincing them not to go. Do NOT discuss whether or not you would like to go to Everest with your partner(s).
10a. Write out a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) stating whether or not your partner(s) convinced you AND why.
b. Write out a juicy paragraph (8-12 sentences) why you would or would not want to attempt the climb to the PEAK of Mt. Everest.
