Boundless (Scholastic Focus)

World champion high jumper Chaunté Lowe pens the captivating story of her journey from an impoverished childhood full of big dreams and devastating hurdles, to becoming a bronze medal-winning US Olympian.

Scholastic Focus is the premier home of thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and thoughtfully designed works of narrative nonfiction aimed at middle-grade and young adult readers. These books help readers learn about the world in which they live and develop their critical thinking skills so that they may become dynamic citizens who are able to analyze and understand our past, participate in essential discussions about our present, and work to grow and build our future.

Everything seemed set against Chaunté Lowe. Growing up with a single mother in Paso Robles, California, where she experienced food insecurity, homelessness, and domestic abuse, Chaunté couldn't imagine a future that offered a different sort of life. But then, one day, she turned on the TV and there was Flo Jo, competing in the Olympics and shattering records in track and field. Almost immediately, Chaunté knew what she wanted to do. She started running.

With the help of a small community of friends, family, and coaches, Chaunté worked as hard as she could - both in the classroom and out on the sports field - and through her own fierce determination and grit, she overcame every imaginable obstacle, eventually propelling herself to the place she always dreamed about: the Olympic medal podium.

Boundless is a story that will move anyone who's ever had a big dream, ever dared to hope for a better future, and ever believed that nothing was impossible. In her own words, Chaunté presents her remarkable and inspiring story of loss and survival, perseverance and hope.

Chaunté Lowe is one of only two women in American history to compete on four U.S. Olympic teams, while also holding the title of “Mother of Three.” Lowe has assured herself a place in history as one of, if not the most celebrated female high jumper the U.S.A. has ever seen, by breaking both the indoor and outdoor American Records and winning twelve U.S. National Championships. As a World Champion, and World Medalist, Chaunté has represented our country well. These accomplishments, integrity, philanthropy, and perseverance have earned her the honor of being inducted into four separate halls of fame. A dynamic public speaker, Chaunté artfully draws in her audience with attention-grabbing stories that both teach and inspire. Her enthusiasm for engaging her audience is infectious and leaves her listeners hanging on her every word. She is funny, relatable, and authentic. Some of her clients include: Nike, T.D. Ameritrade, Hilton, Charles Schwab, Indeed, Cox, Morgan Stanley, Wyndham, Devry, and more. Her many features include The Today Show, CNN, Sports Illustrated, New York Times, the Huffington Post; ESPN, Vogue, Glamour, OWN, N.B.C., and NPR.