Yes, She Can!: Women's Sports Pioneers (Good Sports Book 2)
#2 in Fantastic sports Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Not very long ago, many people believed that girls and women were too weak and delicate to play sports. However, many girls defied these stereotypes, including Trudy Ederle, Louise Stokes, Tidye Pickett, Julie Krone, and Danica Patrick. Trudy Ederle swam the English Channel, Louise Stokes and Tidye Pickett competed in the Olympics for track, Julie Krone became a jockey, and Danica Patrick raced Indie cars. 'Yes, She Can!' shares the inspiring stories of these pioneering women in sports, showing young readers that girls can achieve anything they set their minds to. This book is perfect for young athletes, ages 9-12. Yes, She Can! celebrates ground-breaking female athletes who became the first—and sometimes only—women to achieve at the highest levels of their sports. Featuring Trudy Ederle, the subject of Young Woman and the Sea, the Disney+ biopic starring Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley. In this middle grade collection of sporting heroines these pioneers show girls that anything is possible with grit, determination, and practice.
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most in the female athletes featured in the book?
If you could meet any of the sports pioneers, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How have the achievements of these women changed the way you think about sports?
Why do you think it’s important for stories like these to be shared and celebrated?
How do you feel about trying a new sport or activity after reading about these pioneers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences or memories related to sports, reflecting both challenges and achievements.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of themselves excelling in their favorite sport, inspired by the stories from the book.
Watch videos or documentaries about female sports pioneers together to deepen the discussion and provide real-world context.
Ask your child to think about what sport they would pioneer if they had the chance, and discuss the steps and qualities it would take to become a pioneer in that field.
Reinforce that success in sports, like in life, often comes from dedication, teamwork, and resilience, linking back to the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: The book highlights the stories of women athletes who overcame significant challenges to excel in their sports. Through their journeys, children learn about the importance of staying committed and working hard to achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by consistently practicing and striving to improve in their own activities, whether it’s sports, academics, or any other interests.
Example Lesson: Equality and inclusion
Explanation: The stories of women who broke barriers in the historically male-dominated sports arena demonstrate the importance of equality and inclusion. It teaches that everyone deserves equal opportunities regardless of gender.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat everyone equally and promote fair play, both in sports and other group interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to challenge norms
Explanation: These pioneering women took risks and challenged societal norms to compete and excel in sports. This shows children the value of courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages kids to confidently stand up for what they believe in and challenge unfair rules or practices in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of historical progress
Explanation: By reading about past struggles and successes of women athletes, children develop a deeper appreciation for the progress made in sports and society.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to learn more about history and the development of social norms, fostering a greater understanding and respect for the achievements of others.
Example Lesson: Inspiration to pursue dreams
Explanation: The inspiring stories of women who pursued their passion for sports, despite obstacles, serve as a motivational force for children.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to follow their own dreams and passions, understanding that with perseverance and determination, they too can achieve their goals.