Yasuda, Anita. Up, Up, Ever Up!: Junko Tabei; A Life in the Mountains. Yuko Shimizu, Illus. Clarion, 09/2024. [44]pp. Biography. Trade $19.99. 978-0-0632-4241-8. GRADES Kindergarten–3. OUTSTANDING.
Spectacular illustrations and lyrical text reveal the dynamic, change-making life of a supremely joyful and determined Japanese woman. From childhood, Junko’s love of mountains fueled a dream to climb. Pushing back against conventions and constraints, Junko led the first women’s Everest expedition, becoming the first woman to summit. More than a mountaineer, she spearheaded international efforts to clean up decades of climbing waste, preserving the landscape she loved. Dynamically colored and patterned india ink and digital illustrations borrow from Japanese woodblock prints, manga, and Marc Chagall. Every spread is a visually rich story in itself. Back matter includes an author’s note, a timeline, a glossary, source notes, and a bibliography.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired