In her book, Games Girls Play: Understanding and Guiding Young Female Athletes, Caroline Silby aims to provide parents and coaches with insight and guidance into the raising of the female athlete. By getting girls involved in sports in a healthy environment, we are laying the ground work for higher self esteem, better body image, and a lifetime of health and fitness for our daughters.

From picking your sport, providing a healthy training atmosphere, and giving athletes tools to use for peak competitive performance, Dr. Silby uses real life examples and grounded techniques. Many of the issues facing female athletes are the same as those of their male counterparts, but many of them aren’t. Dr. Silby and co-author Shelley Smith highlight some of the most lessons to be learned.

Playing like a girl is more than just signing up for a sport. Next time you are at the library or book store, pick this one up. You’ll be glad you did!