Her Epic Adventure: 25 Daring Women Who Inspire A Life Less Ordinary, written by Julia De Laurentiis Johnston and illustrated by Salini Perera. Kids Can Press, 2021. $19.99 ages 9 and up

 

"Junko kept on climbing. 
By the time she was 35, she had set 
her sights on the highest mountain 
in the world: Mount Everest. She 
was well trained and prepared, but
about three-quarters of the way to
the top, disaster struck - an
avalanche trapped Junko and her 
team in their camp. Junko was 
knocked unconscious."

It's hard to fathom the accomplishments of the 25 fabulous women who grace the pages of this book. They do not lead ordinary lives in any way. Instead, they let no one keep them from making a life for themselves that has defied assumptions too often made when women want to do the unexpected. They have proved their mettle in countless ways, leading adventurous lives and ignoring opposition to their participation. 

The introduction lets readers know that the women whose stories are told here did not bow to the pressures, the opinions, or the questions asked of them when embarking on very difficult undertakings. 
They were at the forefront for all who have followed in their footsteps, allowing the world to see that gender matters not when bringing change. 

Five sections follow: SKY, PEAKS, ICE, LAND, and WATER. Each section presents four women who proved that if no one believed in their abilities, they would believe in themselves ... and they would make their own dreams of adventure come true. There are names here that are quickly recognizable, and others that will not be to all readers. Each has made a tremendous effort to do exactly what they set out to do. 

An initial introduction page for each section reports on the feats attempted and accomplished by these amazing women. Then, double-page spreads provide a brief history, pertinent data on each woman in the chosen section, and what makes them 'epic adventurers'. As happens with all good nonfiction, readers can choose to read the section that most attracts their personal interest. I went quickly to ICE and Sarah McNair-Landry, a Canadian whose mother led the first all-women expedition to the North Pole in 1997. Sarah is the youngest person to reach both North and South Poles. 

Women from world communities are included. A section on More Amazing Adventurers is added, as well as a world map that plots some of the locations and routes mentioned in their personal stories. A list of resources and an index complete back matter.  

“I refused to take NO for an answer.”