After getting caught clibming a skyscraper in New York City, Peak is sent to live with his Dad, Josh. Josh has big plans for his son, and arranges for Peak to have the opportunity to be the youngest person to make it to the top of Mount Everest.

The first couple of pages are not the "hook." The story becomes more interesting as Peak gets to spend more time with his father. The author's knowledge of mountaineering gives thrilling credibility to the story. Unlike "Hatchet," which pits the main character against nature, Peak is also struggling to understand the people around him, especially his estranged father.