Presents biographical essays on historical women who challenged expectations, including Civil War nursing superintendent Katharine Wormeley, African-American girls' school founder Mary McLeod Bethune, Arctic explorer Louise Boyd, industrial poison investigator Alice Hamilton, and four others.

Cold? yes...I love it, Louise Boyd : Arctic explorer -- Blank spot 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 : super sleuth -- 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.