Here's a breakdown of the exposition and rising action in Roland Smith's "Peak":
Exposition:
* Setting: The story begins in the bustling city of Kathmandu, Nepal.
* Characters: We are introduced to Josh, a 14-year-old American boy, who is on a trekking adventure with his parents.
* Initial Conflict: Josh feels out of place and disconnected from his parents. He is an avid climber and longs for adventure, but his parents are more interested in exploring cultural experiences. He's frustrated by their lack of understanding of his passion.
* Introduction to Nepal: We learn about the Nepali culture, the Sherpa people, and the importance of Mount Everest. We also see the stark contrast between the city life and the mountainous terrain.
* Josh's Dream: Josh dreams of climbing Everest, a dream his parents dismiss as unrealistic.
Rising Action:
* Meeting Pemba: Josh meets Pemba, a young Sherpa boy, who becomes his guide and friend. Pemba shares his own dreams of climbing Everest and helps Josh connect with the culture and people of Nepal.
* Challenge: Josh encounters a group of climbers who are competing to be the fastest to reach the summit. This introduces the pressure and potential danger of climbing Everest.
* Facing Reality: Josh's parents are hesitant about letting him climb, but they eventually agree. They warn him about the risks and the importance of safety.
* The Journey Begins: Josh sets off with Pemba and a small team, embarking on the arduous climb to Everest Base Camp. This is where the true challenge begins.
* Learning and Growth: Josh learns about the importance of teamwork, respect for nature, and the power of determination. He faces physical challenges and learns to overcome his fears.
* The Turning Point: Josh's father, who initially doubted his son's capabilities, begins to understand and support his dream. The father-son relationship starts to mend.
* Conflict Escalates: A group of climbers led by a ruthless guide create a competitive and dangerous environment. This leads to tension and conflict, making the climb even more challenging.
* The Climax is Approaching: As the expedition reaches higher altitudes, the challenges become more severe. The threat of avalanches and altitude sickness increase, and the climbers are forced to make difficult decisions.
Note: This is a simplified breakdown, and the rising action contains many more events and conflicts throughout the book. The rising action continues to escalate until the climax, which will be the actual attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest.