Presents eight biographical essays about adventurous women, including Louise Boyd, Juana Briones, Alice Hamilton, Biddy Mason, and Peggy Hull. Contains the story of Mary McLeod Bethune, who opened a school for African-American girls in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1904, at a time when schools were still segregated. Discusses Katharine Wormeley, who worked aboard hospital ships and helped save the lives of many sick and wounded soldiers, leaving behind an in-depth correspondence. And, also describes the life of Mary Gibson Henry was a botanical scientist, always searching for new botanical species.

"Cold? yes--I love it," Louise Arner Boyd : Arctic explorer -- "Blank spots on the maps," Mary Gibson Henry : plant hunter -- "A preeminent woman," Juana Briones : enterprising family head -- "Great clouds of yellow and orange fumes," Alice Hamilton : supersleuth -- "I will build them again," Mary McLeod Bethune : passionate educator -- "Whirlwind of work," Katharine Wormeley : daring superindendent : letter excerpts --"For the sum of love and affection and ten dollars," Biddy Mason : fierce fighter -- "To be somebody," Peggy Hull : resolute reporter.