This month’s theme brings mountains right into your classroom! How can students learn about these major landforms—the highest places on Earth? Here are a few ideas to try in the classroom let students climb their peaks by opening these books.
At the Top of the World: The greatest mountains on Earth (and how to climb them) by Robin Jacobs and Ed J. Brown
An engaging, beautifully illustrated guide to eight of Earth’s most iconic peaks, merging mountain geology, ecosystems, cultural stories, and climbing challenges. Accessible text explains routes, risks, gear, and knots with vibrant visuals that inspire curiosity and adventure. Perfect for young explorers and budding climbers alike.
Activity
Have students pick a peak and make an exciting travel poster or PowerPoint about it. Provide some inspiration, like these fun imaginary planetary travel posters from NASA: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/visions-of-the-future/. Students should include an interesting slogan and some fun facts (even the dangerous ones) about the mountain they chose. Invite students to share their posters or presentations with the class and see which peak may be their next extreme travel destination!
Danger on the Mountain! True Stories of Extreme Adventure by Gregg Treinish and Kitson Jazynca
A thrilling collection of true adventure tales that plunge readers into wild mountain quests, extreme terrain, and close encounters with nature’s fiercest challenges. Gregg Treinish’s real-life exploits, told through gripping, kid-friendly storytelling, inspire courage, curiosity, and respect for the natural world while keeping young explorers on the edge of their seats.
Activity
Go on a mountain safari through this book to find animals that live on the mountain habitat, like wolverines, lung, or bears! Have students research the mountain animal of their choice and then create a list of details about the animals, such as what they eat, how they care for their young, how they hunt, and where they live. Then ask students to create a short story about their animal, using details they found during their research. It could be a “day in the life” story or an especially dangerous moment or a fun adventure. If students would like, encourage them to draw an illustration to go with their story. Display stories and pictures on a story walk through the classroom and invite students to read as they explore.
Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains by Maxwell Eaton III
The first in a graphic novel series, Scout and her brother set off on an epic backpacking adventure, only to immediately get lost. Instead of panicking, Scout gets to work, taking an inventory of their belongings, building a shelter, and signalling for help. Visual diagrams, wilderness survival tips, and plenty of humorous moments make this a captivating read for adventurous kids!
Activity
How do you tell a story in panels? Take a look at this book with your students and study one page and what its panels tell. Invite students to create an alternate page right after the one you just looked at. Provide a blank sheet of comic panels, like one of these provided by ComicKids: https://www.comickids.org/comic-sheets-and-comic-bubbles . And also provide some markers or coloring pencils. Tell students to take the story in a totally new direction and see what they can come up with. Invite students to share their new pages with the class.
Karen Latchana Kenney is a children’s author and editor who loves creating all kinds of STEM books and classroom content. Find her at https://www.karenlatchanakenney.com/.
Spin to Survive: Frozen Mountain by Emily Hawkins and R. Fresson
Mountains by Sarah Eason
