Delightful introduction to modern cultural life among the Sherpa people of Nepal. Ostensibly a children book (grades 4-7) but actually an excellent introduction for ALL AGES wishing to begin learning about the Sherpas. Covers their everyday lifestyle, history, geography, ecology and of course mountaineering. Stunning color photos. Highly recommended. Additional books on Sherpas for further study here: http://www.librarything.com/catalog/bookwallah&tag=SHERPAS ( )

This book, built around the climbing of Mt. Everest, focuses on the Sherpa people. Each chapter opens with a quote from an icon of Everest history, ranging from spiritual leaders (a 13th century Zen Master) to the men famous for the first summit (Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary). Unlike Everest books that are devoted to the challenges of climbing Mt. Everest, Sacred Mountain puts the Sherpa people and the land at the forefront.
With an air of mystery, Taylor-Butler sheds light on the sacred nature of the mountain. Until 1920, no one had been allowed to climb Mt. Everest (locally called Chomolungma or Sagamatha). It was not until 1953 that the first summit was accomplished, but that event has negatively affected the people and surrounding areas of Mt Everest.
The latter half of this text takes a look at how the popularity of Mt. Everest, and subsequent abuse, has harmed the traditional Sherpa lifestyle. Taylor-Butler’s aim is to raise awareness. She reminds readers of the delicate balance that exists in nature. The concluding chapter, “Hope for the Future”, applauds the efforts of Sir Edmund Hillary and the Norgay family who developed trusts to encourage environmental education and land preservation.
Many photos, descriptive insets, and maps accompany the text. Images of climate zones provide a view of the land prior to Everest’s popularity, while photos show a landscape that lacks trees and suffers from garbage left by tourists. Vivid photos of the Sherpa people in their bright clothing contrast with the historic, fuzzy, black and white photos of the early climbers. Both add to the appeal of this book, bringing life and value to the author’s words. The maps are less than ideal. The map at the introduction is childlike, in soft pastel colors, and lacks labels on most countries that surround the mountain.
This is a book that will be enjoyed readers in upper elementary school who have a global environmental concern. The reading of this book will expand current knowledge and interest in Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
SB&F rating: +, EA
Voya rating: 4Q, 3P ( )

Stunning photos and readable text take readers on a trip to Mount Everest. The book includes information about the Sherpas (people who live on and around Mt. Everest), the plants & animals of the region, attempts & successes at climbing the summit, and the effort to protect the mountain's ecological systems.

Read my full review on my blog: http://abbylibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/11/book-review-sacred-mountain-everest.ht... ( )