‘My Daddy is Climbing Denali’ by Samuel Sidiqi
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OVERALL: My Daddy Is Climbing Denali by Sam Sidiqi is a thoughtful and inspiring story that introduces young readers to adventure, purpose, and the value of leading by example through a father’s journey to climb Denali.
On the surface, it’s a children’s book about a father preparing to climb Denali, the tallest mountain in North America. But in reality, it goes much deeper, telling a story about adventure, purpose, and the quiet influence of leading by example.
What immediately stood out to us was the perspective. The story is told through the eyes of a young girl watching her father train for an expedition that must feel both exciting and distant. Rather than making the climb feel overwhelming, Sidiqi brings it into everyday life. Training becomes something relatable, whether it’s push-ups with his daughter on his back or runs with her in a stroller. Those moments give the story a grounded, human feel that’s often missing in adventure narratives.
There’s also a strong undercurrent of purpose throughout. This isn’t just about summiting a mountain or chasing a personal goal. The climb is tied to raising money for charity, which adds a layer of meaning without ever feeling forced. It’s a great way of showing younger readers that big ambitions can, and should, be connected to something bigger than ourselves.
From our perspective, the writing strikes a great balance. It’s accessible for younger readers but still engaging enough for adults reading alongside them. Concepts like glacier travel, preparation, and risk are introduced in a way that sparks curiosity rather than overwhelming the reader. It naturally opens the door for conversations between parents and children, which is something we value highly.
The illustrations also play a big role. They do a brilliant job of capturing both the scale of Denali and the closeness of the father-daughter relationship. There’s a calmness to the visuals that complements the tone of the story, making it feel reassuring even when touching on more challenging themes.
One element we particularly appreciated was the message around knowing when to come home. In adventure culture, there’s often a focus on pushing limits at all costs. This book takes a more considered view, suggesting that real strength sometimes lies in making the right call for the people who matter most. It’s a powerful message, and one that’s delivered with a lot of care.
Overall, My Daddy Is Climbing Denali is a thoughtful and well-crafted book that aligns closely with the values believe in. It inspires without overhyping, and it encourages both curiosity and reflection. The fact that all proceeds go towards supporting a non-profit developing skiing in Afghanistan only strengthens what is already a meaningful story.
If you’re looking for something that introduces adventure in a grounded, human way while encouraging the next generation to think bigger, it’s well worth a look.
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