Roberta Bondar's voyage as an astronaut aboard the space shuttle DISCOVERY was the realization of a childhood dream for the Canadian scientist and doctor. Here she shares her remarkable journey. From breathtaking photographs of the planet taken from space to her own stunning photographs of life on Earth, Dr. Bondar's message will change the way you think about humanity's relationship with the planet.

"The feeling in space flight is like hanging by your heels...with all the blood rushing to your head. ...You feel as though you are at the top of a roller coaster when your stomach feels like it is going to lift off." - Dr. Roberta Bondar. This book will be especially fascinating for all readers interested in: biography or space exploration. From the age of eight, Roberta Bondar knew she wanted to be an astronaut. In January 1992 she made Canadian history when she became the first Canadian woman, and first neurologist, to go into space on board Discovery. The story of her journey to become a leading astronaut is a fascinating tale of dedication, commitment, and sheer guts.

By the time Roberta Bondar became Canada's first woman in space in 1992, she already had careers as a doctor, a scientist, and a professional photographer. Today this well known astronaut is working on behalf of the planet, writing, appearing on TV and in documentaries, covering Space Shuttle launches, and shedding new light on the needs of the natural world.

With more than 10,000 copies sold, Passionate Vision endures as a pictorial collection that leads us on a journey from Gwaii Haanas in the west to Terra Nova in the east, Point Pelee in the south to Quttinirpaaq in the north. Dr. Roberta Bondar-one of Canada's most celebrated explorers-presents an exquisite photographic portrait of forty-one national parks, revealing the essence of Canada's rugged, intricate and fragile natural endowment. More than 100 full-colour photographs plus six stunning images from space are interwoven with lyrical quotations about the land by explorers, poets, ecologists and naturalists and short captions about the diversity of the country's natural areas. Ann Thomas, Curator of Photography at the National Gallery of Canada, situates these images in the long tradition of landscape photography with a brief essay. To this narrative, Dr. Bondar adds her own story: her vision of blending interests in science and photography and her unique perspective of Canada, a largely unexplored and delicate wilderness within a wider universe.

Women in the military? To many, never was too soon. But by 1940, British women were out "doing their bit" for the war effort, and Canadians battled for that same right. Young Canadian women wanted to serve their country, "to free a man to fight," as the recruiting posters urged. By the war’s end almost 50,000 of them were in the forces. Carolyn Gossage has compiled a fascinating collage of anecdotal and documentary material. The colourful story of Canada’s "forgotten women" - those who volunteered for service during World War II in the RCAF Women’s division, the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) and the Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Service (Wrens) - entertains and enlightens.

Now more than ever, the world is recognizing how strong women and girls are. How strong? In the early 1920s, Aboriginal Alaskan expeditioner Ada Blackjack survived for two years as a castaway on an uninhabited island in the Arctic Ocean before she was finally rescued. And she’s just one example. The Girl Who Rode a Shark: And Other Stories of Daring Women is a rousing collection of biographies focused on women and girls who have written, explored, or otherwise plunged headfirst into the pages of history. Undaunted by expectations, they made their mark by persevering in pursuit of their passions. The tales come from a huge variety of times and places, from a Canadian astronaut to an Indian secret agent and to a Balkan pirate queen who stood up to Ancient Rome. Author and activist Ailsa Ross gives readers a fun, informative piece of nonfiction that emphasizes the boundless potential of a new generation of women. Stunning portraits by artist Amy Blackwell accompany every biography in bold, vibrant colours.