A World of Her Own: 24 Amazing Women Explorers and Adventurers

Gr 7–10—This addition certainly lives up to its series name. Naturalist and author Ross tells the stories of different women who stepped outside their comfort zones, overcame hardships, and earned advanced degrees all in order to explore nature, seek adventure, and find personal fulfillment. Divided into four parts—"Called by Mountains," "Seeking Nature," "Exploring the World's Water," and "Long Trek"—the book profiles women such as Sophia Danenberg, who summited Everest in 2006; Constanza Ceruti, who climbs mountains to visit high-elevation archaeological sites; Ynes Mexia, who traversed South America in the 1930s; and homemaker and mother Helga Estby, who with her daughter Clara walked across America in 1896. These are fascinating, well-told stories, sure to intrigue readers. Photographs are scattered throughout the text. A solid collection of inspiring individuals.—Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel