The Climbers

Tree climbing is a major rite of passage in Sully’s village and Sully is proud to be the best climber. It’s a title that means a lot – he doesn’t have much else, after all. There are five big climbing trees, each offering a different challenge, and this summer, Sully plans to make it to the top of the one tree no one has ever managed to climb. Then no one will ever question that he’s the best.

When new kid Nottingham arrives, with exotic stories of his climbing exploits in Sherwood Forest, it’s immediately clear that he’s strong competition for Sully. With his climbing status threatened, Sully takes an instant dislike to the newcomer. As the two boys face off against each other, their rivalry quickly spirals out of control, and the challenge that will prove who really is the best could also be deadly.

An exciting, absorbing thriller presented in a super-readable format, this short but punchy tale of teenage rivalry and the complex dynamic of relationships feels highly relatable. The story can perhaps also show how saving face at all costs isn’t necessarily the best strategy, and as the competition escalates, Sully is forced to question what matters most, and what the climbing skill known as ‘reach’ really means.