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2003
finalists.

2003 Hackmatack

Children's Choice Book Award/Prix littéraire - le choix de jeunes

"Don't slip - it's a long way down."

Some people are natural climbers. Not Laurie Skreslet. As a kid, he suffered from poor balance. He was even afraid of heights. But by staying focused on his dreams of mountaineering, Laurie beat the odds and became an accomplished climber. In fact, he eventually found himself as part of a team attempting to reach the peak of Mount Everest!

Throughout the ascent, Laurie and his expedition were faced with hidden crevasses, blinding snowstorms, horrible altitude sickness and deadly avalanches that claimed the lives of four team members. Then there was the terrifying moment when Laurie himself almost plunged to an icy death...

Laurie's exciting true-life tale of bravery, endurance and compassion proves that with a bit of courage, a little faith and a lot of teamwork, an ordinary person can accomplish extraordinary things.

Laurie Skreslet has climbed many of the world's highest mountains. He leads groups on climbs around the world, is involved with Outward Bound and travels across North America speaking about his experience on Everest. This is his first book for children. Laurie lives in Calgary, Alberta, near the Rocky Mountains.

Elizabeth MacLeod is a children's book author and editor whose many books include Alexander Graham Bell and Lucy Maud Montgomery, both published by Kids Can Press. Lucy Maud Montgomery is also shortlisted for this year's Hackmatack Award. Elizabeth lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Suggested Activities

• Imagine that you're a climber on Everest and you're keeping a diary. What would you write in it just before you begin your summit attempt and just after you succeed (or fail)?
• Find out more about the Sherpas.
• Learn out about another Everest climber or other adventurer. How is this person similar or different from Laurie?
• Research Yeti and decide for yourself if they exist.
• Write an interview between you and a reporter about the bravest or most difficult thing you've ever done (or would like to do).