Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains

Last updated Sunday, October 11, 2026

Author: Anita Yasuda
Illustrator: Yuko Shimizu
Date of Publication: 2024
ISBN: 0063242419
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2026

Synopsis: Junko Tabei dreamed of a life climbing mountains. But men refused to climb with her. Sponsors told her to stay home, and gloves were not made to fit her hands. Junko, eager and unstoppable, wouldn't let these obstacles get in her way.

Instead, she planned an expedition to summit Mount Everest with an all-women team. Battling icy peaks, deep crevasses, and even an avalanche, Junko refused to give up. She climbed step by step. . . up, up, ever up!

After summiting the world's tallest peak, Junko took on a new challenge: protecting the wild spaces she loved for future generations.

Craft ideas: To be posted soon ...

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!