First Ascent: The Epic Yosemite Rock-Climbing Rivalry of Royal Robbins and Warren Harding

Grades 1 to 3

New York Times–bestselling author Kate Messner presents a daring game of one-upmanship that pushed the sport of rock climbing to new heights during the Golden Age of Yosemite climbing. Royal Robbins and Warren Harding were two wildly different men who loved the challenge posed by big walls of granite—some that had never been climbed! They paired up to attempt an epic climb on Half Dome. When they didn’t make it to the top, they went their separate ways and soon became fierce rivals, racking up first ascents around Yosemite Valley. This suspenseful, true story offers a fast-paced adventure with a dash of sports history and environmental awareness, told by Kate Messner—one of today’s foremost writers of nonfiction for young people—and climber-illustrator Stevie Lewis, whose love of the sport is on dazzling display. Readers will join the journey as the climbers chase their personal passion for thrilling exploits, which in turn showed the world the heights that are possible when there is someone pushing you to achieve. Perfect for:Fans of Kate Messner’s popular History Smashers seriesFans of adventure stories, sports biographies, and national parks talesTeachers and librarians looking for picture books about nontraditional and action sportsParents, grandparents, and caregivers searching for exciting nonfiction to engage young minds

About the Author

New York Times–bestselling author Kate Messner is passionately curious and writes books for kids who wonder, too. Her titles include award-winning picture books like Over and Under the Snow, The Next Scientist, and The Scariest Kitten in the World, as well as novels for older readers, including Breakout and The Trouble with Heroes. Kate also writes the popular History Smashers illustrated nonfiction series and leads the multi-author team behind the chapter book series The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class. She lives on Lake Champlain and is a proud Adirondack 46er.Stevie Lewis is an illustrator of more than 30 children’s books. After leaving her job in animation, she sold everything she owned, built out a van, and hit the road with rock climbing gear and a sketchbook. Over the next few years, she climbed in some of the most beautiful places in North America. When she’s not working on books, she also enjoys painting, hiking, and mountain biking. She lives in western Montana with her husband and baby.