Released in 2007, Roland Smith’s novel Peak is the story of a teenager—whose name is Peak—who has a lot of mountains to climb, both metaphorical and literal. When he is fourteen, Peak climbs a skyscraper in New York to place his tag on it: a spray-painted small, blue mountain. He is caught and arrested. As he waits for a hearing, another boy tries to emulate him by scaling a building and falls to his death. Peak’s estranged father Josh appears at the last moment with bail money and a plan to take him to Thailand. In Bangkok, Josh surprises Peak with an attempt to summit Mount Everest, aiming to make Peak the youngest climber to achieve this. As the climb unfolds, Peak’s feelings toward his father become complex, culminating in a decision to prioritize another climber's success over his own.

Peak by Roland Smith has garnered praise for its thrilling storytelling and well-developed characters, particularly the protagonist's resilience. Readers commend its realistic portrayal of climbing and captivating plot. Some criticisms include predictable plot elements and occasional lags in pacing. Overall, it remains a compelling read for young adventure enthusiasts.

A reader who would enjoy Peak by Roland Smith is likely an adventure enthusiast, particularly one fascinated by climbing and survival stories. Fans of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and Touching the Void by Joe Simpson will appreciate the teenage protagonist's journey, the challenging environments, and the themes of perseverance and self-discovery.

Adventurous / Inspirational / Suspenseful / Challenging / Emotional

- Peak by Roland Smith was awarded the 2007 National Outdoor Book Award in the Children’s category, highlighting its appeal and contribution to literature involving outdoor themes.
- The author, Roland Smith, draws from his personal climbing experiences to infuse authenticity and immersive details into the mountaineering aspects of Peak.
- Peak serves as the first book in a series, with its sequel The Edge continuing the adventures of the protagonist Peak Marcello.

**Peak Marcello**  
Peak is the 14-year-old protagonist of *Peak*. The story is told through his journal entries for an English assignment. Raised in Wyoming and Manhattan by his mother, Teri, and stepfather, Rolf, he becomes an illegal skyscraper climber in Manhattan in lieu of mountains. 

**Josh Wood**  
Josh is Peak's biological father and a climbing guide in Nepal. He has been mostly absent from Peak's life, focusing more on his climbing career than on family.

**Sun-jo**  
Sun-jo is a slightly older Nepalese boy and Zopa's grandson. He accompanies Peak on the climbing expedition to Everest, initially serving as a backup climber.

**The Twins**  
Peak’s twin half-sisters who live in New York. Their bond with Peak illustrates the depth of familial love beyond genetics.

**Teri Marcello**  
Teri is Peak's mother, a former climber who prioritizes Peak's wellbeing. Her understanding of climbing helps her relate to Peak while maintaining parental boundaries.

**Zopa**  
Zopa is a wise and knowledgeable Buddhist monk and climber. As a mentor to Peak and Sun-jo, he embodies guidance and resilience.

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