Families who loved Ascent by Roland Smith often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teen is navigating a high stakes challenge that requires immense grit, or when they are struggling to balance personal ambition with their responsibilities toward others. It is an ideal pick for kids who feel a sense of pressure to perform or who are learning how to lead in unpredictable situations. The story follows Peak Marcello as he travels to a remote mountain in Myanmar on a dangerous rescue mission. While the backdrop is an adrenaline fueled climbing adventure, the heart of the story explores the weight of accountability and the deep bonds of family. Parents will appreciate the way it models resilience and ethical decision making under extreme duress. It is perfectly suited for middle schoolers and young teens who crave realistic action and stories about finding one's footing in the world.