Open World 3, Unit 1: Further, faster, higher
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This unit is on extreme sports. There is a lot of literature that covers this theme, most that is incredibly inspirational, some that is just down-right funny. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
No Summit out of Sight, by Jordan Romero
(Lexile 850L) what is this?
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Winterdance: The Fine Madness of Alaskan Dog Racing, by Gary Paulsen
(Lexile 1060L) what is this?
The Impossible Climb (Young Readers Adaptation): Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and a Climber’s Life, by Mark Synnott
(Lexile measure unavailable)
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Be Unstoppable: The Art of Never Giving Up by Bethany Hamilton
(Lexile 880L) what is this?
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How Angel Peterson Got His Name, by Gary Paulsen
This book may be off-putting because of its strange title, but it really is a worthwhile read. Written by Gary Paulsen, famous for “The Hatchet”, this collection of short stories tells of some extreme adventure’s from Paulsen’s childhood. (Lexile 1180L) what is this?
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No Barriers,(YA edition) by Erik Weihenmayer
Kayaking down the Grand Canyon is quite an adventure with rough currents and large boulders. Can you imagine not being able to see? This is an amazing true story of an incredible adventure. (Lexile 1010L)
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Trust the Grind, by Jeremy Bhandari
(No Lexile measure available )
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Supplemental Activities
Ice climbing is definitely an extreme sport, and Switzerland is hosting the Ice Climbing World Cup If you happen to be in Saas Fee in January, it could be great fun to watch. Held in a car park, so weather isn’t an excuse not to go. Catch a video here to see what it’s like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpLqDgWKLhc
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/experiences/events/swiss-epic-2023/
Rock climbing is a great example of a sport where boundaries are constantly being pushed. What wasn’t recognized for a long time was how many women have participated in this amazing sport. Through October 2023, the Swiss Alpine Museum at the Gotthard is hosting the exhibit “Women on the Mountain” focusing on the fearlessness of forty female alpinists.
https://alpstein-crossing.ch/en/