One Girl One Dream, by Laura Dekker

One Girl One Dream tells the incredible true story of Laura Dekker, who became the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world. At just 14 years old, Dekker embarked on an adventure most adults wouldn't dare attempt. Before she could even set sail, Dekker faced fierce opposition. She had to convince her skeptical father and battle Dutch authorities for months to gain approval for her journey. But Dekker's determination prevailed, and in 2010 she set off on her 38-foot two-masted ketch, aptly named Guppy.

Over the next 17 months, Dekker faced challenges that would test even the most seasoned sailor. She navigated through treacherous storms, with waves crashing over her small boat. During one particularly harrowing night in the Indian Ocean, she writes: "The wind howled and Guppy rolled violently. I clung to my bunk, praying the storm would pass."

But it wasn't just the physical dangers that Dekker had to overcome. She spent weeks alone at sea, twice going over six weeks without seeing another person. She describes the mental toll of this isolation: "Some days, I would talk to Guppy just to hear a voice – even if it was my own." What shines through in Dekker's own words is her unwavering passion for sailing and her fierce independence. When questioned about why she wanted to undertake such a risky journey, she simply states: "The sea is where I belong. It's as much a part of me as the air I breathe."

One Girl One Dream is more than just a sailing adventure. It's a story about chasing your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Dekker's courage and perseverance will inspire readers of all ages, especially young women, to pursue their own ambitions – however unconventional they may be.