Secrets of the Sky Caves

Danger and Discovery on Nepal's Mustang Cliffs

  • Interest Level: Grade 4 - Grade 8
  • Reading Level: Grade 5

What’s more dangerous than scaling Mount Everest? For mountaineer Pete Athans, the answer lies in the ancient kingdom of Mustang, a remote part of the Asian nation of Nepal. Long-abandoned caves built high into steep cliffs contain amazing treasures—and pose incredible dangers. Reaching these “sky caves” safely takes guts, smarts, and luck. And then there’s the question of what to do with a two-thousand-year-old human skull. . .

From 2007 to 2012, Pete explored Mustang’s sky caves with a team that included scientists, mountain climbers, and even two children. They found mummies, murals, manuscripts, and other priceless artifacts. Follow Pete on his dangerous trips to the sky caves and discover the secrets the caves revealed.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4677-6982-2
$37.99
978-1-4677-5924-3
$39.99
978-1-5124-4233-5
$19.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% when you buy direct!
Interest Level Grade 4 - Grade 8
Reading Level Grade 5
Genre Science
Copyright 2014
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 64
Publication Date 2014-08-01
Reading Counts! Level 6.2
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF038020, JNF051170, JNF002000
Dewey 796.522095496
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Lexile 900
ATOS Reading Level 6.4
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 164349
Accelerated Reader® Points 2.0
Features Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Index, Maps, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Table of contents, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Author: Sandra K. Athans

Sandra is a fourth-grade teacher and literacy specialist. She is the author of many teacher-practitioner books on literacy instruction and is often invited to share her knowledge and inspiration at national reading and writing conferences. Sandra is also an adjunct professor with the Department of Graduate Education at Le Moyne College. She enjoys writing children's books, short stories, and theatrical scripts. Moreover, she is passionate about championing her students' interests in reading and writing. Many of her students have received awards and accolades for their stories, poems, and other written materials.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Secrets of the Sky Caves

What’s more dangerous than scaling Mount Everest? For mountaineer Pete Athans, the answer lies in the ancient kingdom of Mustang, a remote part of the Asian nation of Nepal. Long-abandoned caves built high into steep cliffs contain amazing treasures—and pose incredible dangers.… View available downloads →

Awards

  • South Asia Book Award Honor Book, Commended, 2015
  • Building STEAM with Día Book List, Winner, 2015
  • NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, Winner, 2014

Reviews

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

“®ich end matter comprising glossary, index, timeline, source notes, and bibliography, will be a boon to report writers, and the melding of rock climbing and archaeology may entice a range of armchair adventurers.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

Kirkus Reviews

“The text, which provides a solid history of the region, is supplemented by many photographs of the explorers as well as the items from the excavation…. [A] satisfying exploration.” —Kirkus Reviews

School Library Journal

“The book design is attractive and accessible and includes quality photographs and clearly labeled map. The book will enlighten young readers to one of the most fascinating explorations and discoveries happening today. . . . This well-executed narrative envelopes readers in a captivating tale of true mystery and adventure.” —starred, School Library Journal