Roland Smith's novels for young adults have received wide acclaim from publications such as Library Journal and Booklist for their intense realism. Peak Marcello is a 14-year-old who loves to climb things. Unfortunately, living in New York City makes his hobby difficult. After a run-in with the law, Peak is presented two options: endure Juvenile Detention or reconnect with his estranged father, who runs a climbing operation in Thailand. The choice is easy for Peak, but his father has an ulterior motive for their reunion-he wants his son to risk his life and become the youngest person to ever scale Mount Everest.
