More than 20 true stories of people forced to make difficult, split-second decisions in life-threatening situations! Danger, even death, may be imminent unless a key decision is made . . . and in desperate situations, that decision must be made in seconds! How do people decide on the best course of action? At the Edge recounts 22 stories of kids, men, and women who faced critical, life-threatening situations and made wrenching decisions during the Holocaust, the 2004 tsunami in Asia, Chernobyl, Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, Tiananmen Square and more. This reader-friendly format includes twenty-two fast-paced stories, plus sidebars packed with additional blood-pumping adventures, and dramatic photos. Examples: - On a mountain peak, a climber debates whether to cut the rope that holds his partner, and act that will save his own life, but will result in death for his friend. - In the midst of a vicious civil war and with his own life in danger, one man contemplates how to stop the slaughter. - An athlete forgoes his chances at a medal during a sailing event in the summer Olympics to rescue sailors whose boat has capsized.