On January 14, 1993, four women made history by becoming the first women to reach the South Pole on foot. For sixty-seven days and 660 miles they skied, dragging 200-pound sleds, across the white plains of Antarctica, challenged by its bitter temperatures and strong winds. But the biggest hardships they faced were internal, as each one struggled to keep mental focus, emotional perspective, and physical well being in the face of nearly unyielding stress.

This is a true story, told in diary excerpts, dispatches, letters, and narrative. It is an intimate account of four very different people aiming for a single goal: Ann, whose job as leader ultimately came before personal ambition; Sue, whose early worries first closed her off from others; Anne, who fought the injury and mood swings grinding her down; and Sunniva, whose sprained ankle forced her to accept help as well as give it. Because of their synergy and dedication, all four reached the Pole as a team. But as important for each was the inward journey.

Strong and strongminded women, carving out their own paths in life, are still enough of a rarity in books for teenagers to make this one special. It is illustrated with photos from the expedition.

A Linnet Book. Grades 6-up, xi, 84 p., map, illus., gloss., resources. Library binding, 0-208-02518-9, $25.00.