Starred review from February 1, 2024
K-Gr 2-Though his roots were humble, Tenzing Norgay achieved one of the greatest feats possible in his remarkable lifetime. Growing up in the shadow of Chomolungma, or Mount Everest, Norgay dreamed of one day reaching the summit, and though his path toward his goal was filled with obstacles, he continued steadfastly forward. When the day came for Norgay to venture forth with Sir Edmund Hillary, his patience and persistence were finally recognized, and the two made history at the top of the world. This is an inspiring addition to the "Little People, Big Dreams" series, and it follows the same pattern as its predecessors. Succinct sentences and paragraphs adequately represent Norgay's life without being burdensome, and the placement of the text allows the illustrations to be the primary focus of each spread. Charmingly, the illustrations resemble photographs from the time of Norgay's adventures, complete with grainy texture and muted hues. These images are accessible to young readers, and children will appreciate learning about such an important figure in mountaineering history. A time line and more thorough biography in the back matter orient caregivers to Norgay's story in more detail, and photos of him are also included. VERDICT Well-researched and carefully presented, this is a quality introductory biography for young readers, and a good addition to the series overall.-Mary R. Lanni
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