By Carolyn Danckaert, amightygirl.com
 
Carolyn Danckaert and Aaron Smith live in Washington, D.C., with their four nieces and a nephew nearby. They are very excited to launch their latest labor of love, A Mighty Girl.
 
Are you hoping to encourage some more movement and play in your little nieces this year? Do you want to help your nieces take better care of their bodies? Get started with some of these great health and fitness reads!

We Are Girls Who Love to Run / Somos Chicas Y a Nosotras Nos Encanta Correr
By Brianna K. Grant (Ages 4-8)
 
We Are Girls Who Love to Run uses running to inspire girls to build healthy habits and achieve goals. Vibrant watercolor illustrations celebrate real girls with different body styles who find satisfaction in daily life experiences. The characters display their inner strengths as they make simple healthy choices and interact with family and friends.
 
This book speaks to girls of all fitness levels, from the curious observer-turned-participant to the driven competitor. It celebrates the multiple elements of girlhood that connect to form the whole girl: family life, friendships, emotions, fitness, goal-setting, relaxation, and curiosity. It acknowledges girls’ spirits and applauds their fortitude in believing in themselves.
 


The Care and Keeping of You
By Valorie Schaefer (Ages 8-12)
 
This bestselling American Girl publication is perfect for pre-teen girls. It answers questions about a girl’s changing body, from hair care to healthy eating, bad breath to bras, periods to pimples, and everything in between. It offers guidance on basic hygiene and health without addressing issues of sexuality.
 


Go For the Goal: A Champion's Guide to Winning in Soccer and Life
By Mia Hamm and Aaron Heifetz (Ages 12 and up)
 
For the more than seven million girls—from knobby-kneed tykes to high school and college stars—who are tearing across the country chasing a soccer ball and dreams of glory, there is one name that eclipses all others, male or female: Mia Hamm. With her cheetah-like acceleration and lightning-bolt shot, Hamm broke nearly every record in her sport while galvanizing a whole generation of fans and players.
 
Go for the Goal is not only the inspiring story of how a tiny suburban sprite became a global terror with a ball (and the world) at her feet—it’s also a step-by-step or dribble-by-dribble guide for any kid with the all-American dream of making the team and becoming a champion.
 
Filled with personal anecdotes and fully illustrated with both action and instructional photographs, Go for the Goal shows readers exactly how to master the silky skills and techniques that made Hamm and her teammates the finest women’s soccer team in the world.
 


JoJo's Flying Sidekick
By Brian Pinkney (Ages 5 and up)
 
When Master Kim announces JoJo is ready to take the test for her yellow belt, butterflies start fluttering in her stomach. JoJo loves Tae Kwon Do, but can she really do a perfect flying side kick and break a board in two? Her family and friends offer all sorts of advice: “Do a little shuffle to chase the jitters away,” says Granddaddy. “Yell ‘KIAH!’ at the top of your lungs,” P.J. advises. “Why don’t you visualize your technique?” Mom suggests.
 
But how can JoJo ever hope to succeed when she’s still afraid of the creepy bandit tree outside her bedroom window? JoJo needs to find a way to turn her fears into success, and she soon realizes there’s only one person who can help her do that—herself.
 


Sally Jean, the Bicycle Queen
By Cari Best (Ages 4-8)
 
I can pop a wheelie, I can touch the sky,
 
I can pedal backwards, I can really fly!
 
Sally Jean was born to ride. And her bicycle, Flash, is just about her best friend. But one day something terrible—and wonderful—happens. Sally Jean grows. Suddenly, she finds herself too big for Flash. What’s a Bicycle Queen to do? Finally, by collecting old bicycle parts to make a new bike—and giving Flash to a young friend who longs for a bigger bike of his own—she rides again!
 
With exuberant art that’s just the right match for Sally Jean’s newfound freedom, this joyous text celebrates growing up, learning new skills, and giving back to the community.
 
Check out the Sports and Games section for both fictional and biographical stories about girls and sports!

Photo: imagerymajestic
Published: January 30, 2013