Conquering Sky, Sea, Land and beyond ...

Summary:

In a series of 6- to 10-page micro biographies, Thrill Seekers introduces readers to women who have reached the "top of their game" in their respective sports. It explores the spark that ignited their passion for their sport, each woman's journey through various types of adversity, and how they deal with the risks, dangers, and setbacks. Text insets offer more detailed information about the sport and its equipment, as well as ways to connect with each athlete on social media. 


Parent Perspective:
Don't let the "women" in the title fool you. Anyone who loves the X Games, aerial sports, or pushing the limits of physics will connect with this book. The short chapters are great, and the self-contained stories allow readers to move through the book in any way they choose. I also like how it is separated into the various sports arenas (sky, sea, land). Last, I appreciated how the author added social media/websites to each biography so that readers can keep up with their favorite athletes from the book.

All that said, I lost interest about halfway through. I put the book down, read something else, came back to it starting in a different section, and still felt the same way. While the individual stories are compelling and interesting, and the terrain varies, there is a "sameness" to the journeys and emotions conquered that emerges which made it hard to keep going. 

This is a good choice for reluctant readers or those who only like "short stories." The ability to choose what you want to read is a draw for them.


Reader Enjoyment Factors:

Anyone interested in "extremes" or things that instill fear will find this an engaging read. 

Content Awareness Factors:

This is about extreme sports, so if you are a reader who internalizes fear and danger, you need to know that up front. The descriptions aren't graphic, but the emotions are palpable.


Type of Book:
This is a nonfiction collection of mini-biographies about athletes who succeed in extreme sports.
Educational Themes:

In addition to offering information about these extreme athletes, the book also introduces readers to their various sports. Ask readers what they think about the various sports - is this something they find interesting? Is it something they've heard of or seen on television? What made them interested in "X" story.

If you live in an area with non-traditional, outdoor sporting events, do some research. Now that your reader knows more about a sport, they may want to attend an event.

Reading Level:
6.2
Recommended Age To Read By Yourself:
13 and Up
Recommended Age To Read Together:
12 and Up

Title Thrill Seekers: 15 Remarkable Women in Extreme Sports
Author Ann McCallum Staats
Publisher Chicago Review Press © 2021
ISBN 9781641604802
Material Hard Cover
Cost $16.99
Genres Sports, Biography, History
Reminder: Cover images, amazon.com and indiebound.org links are affiliate links. The Reading Tub can earn income via purchases made via these links. 100% of any income goes directly to our literacy mission.

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