Description
Book SynopsisWhat is the allure of the extreme? Who are the women who seek out and excel at sports outside the conventional, such as cave diving, wingsuit flying, or Formula 1 racing? This collection of female adventure dynamos is as fascinating as it is empowering.
Thrill Seekers introduces readers to a diverse and fascinating selection of women whose determination, grit, and courage have propelled each of them into a life far from the sidelines. Each chapter introduces readers to modern role models and leaders, change-makers who opt into a life of risk—but one of astonishing rewards. Their stories inspire young people to approach life with the same bold resolve.
Trade ReviewWhat many people don’t realize is that women have always been pushing themselves in many ways to meet mental, creative, and physical challenges—it is part of our roaming humanity, our quest to reach and understand the farthest places on earth. However, it has often been difficult for women to be recognized or allowed into the special cadre of heroes—those who inspire us all to reach for our personal best. Ann McCallum Staats has written an uplifting book profiling a handful of extraordinary women whose example proves that nothing can or should hold women back. These women push the boundaries of what was believed possible, achieving the impossible. Mastering fear and building on years of astute training, the women Staats profiles soar over active volcanoes, swim through ice caves, deep dive with sharks, break speeding records, master dogs to race through the wilderness, and other challenging feats. These women explore the possibilities of the impossible." - Milbry Polk, author of
Women of Discovery, and board of directors member of the Explorers Club
"Ann McCallum Staats has written a much-needed book. In a world dominated by ball and goal sports,
Thrill Seekers: 15 Remarkable Women in Extreme Sports takes a deep dive into sports such as slackline walking, cave diving, and dog sled racing. Staats also tells the stories of the fascinating women who have the courage to push themselves further than they ever thought possible.
Thrill Seekers is a reading rush." - Fred Bowen, author and
Washington Post KidsPost columnist
"This newest book by Ann celebrates women today as you can see from the title. They are making history right now! I was amazed and constantly in awe as I read through Ann's stories of each of these women. I've ordered a copy for myself so I can pass it on to my granddaughters who are both athletic and will love reading of girls who've grown to women as they achieve in sports what few others have done." - Linda,
GoodreadsTable of ContentsIntroduction
Part I: Maximum Sky
1. Roberta Mancino: Fly Like a Superhero
2. Faith Dickey: Walk a Thin Line
3. Melanie Curtis: Freefall
Part II: Extreme Ocean
4. Bethany Hamilton: Able and Awesome
5. Jill Heinerth: Into the Deep Unknown
6. Ann Marie Stephens: Weightless and Free
Part III: Radical Rides
7. Sneha Sharma: Behind the Wheel
8. Elladee Brown: Stoked and Dialed
9. Lizzie Armanto: Skateboard Wonder
Part IV: Epic Ice and Snow
10. Kristin Knight Pace: It’s All About the Dogs
11. Julia Marino: The Art of Snowboarding
12. Angela Hawse: Alpine Adventurer
Part V: Adrenaline Earth
13. Sara Mudallal: Vault, Leap, Tumble
14. Brittany Leavitt: Teacher Turned Climber
15. Courtney Dauwalter: Up and Running
Afterword: Seek Your Thrill
Acknowledgments
Notes
