JUNKO TABEI MASTERS THE MOUNTAINS

Traci Kato-Kiriyama gives voice to a girl's passion for climbing in this historical novel based on the life of Junko Tabei, the first female climber to summit Mount Everest. Kato-Kiriyama uses the same American accent for all the characters, and while this makes the story relatable for Western listeners, only the Japanese places and names indicate that the story takes place in Japan. She makes no distinction between rural accents and urban accents, so listeners must rely on the text to understand Junko's alienation when she leaves home for college in Tokyo. Nevertheless, listeners will be inspired by Junko's story and by the message that Junko's elementary school teacher instills in her: Ganbatte. Do your best. S.C. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2020]