This positive, empowering book turns accusations of running, throwing, catching ‘like a girl’ right around to give young women keen to participate in sports of any kind the confidence to go ahead and overcome any obstacles society or life might put in their way.
It does this by introducing fifty amazing and successful female athletes who’ve all followed their dreams, no matter how hard it was. There are trailblazers in fields as different as cricket, surfing, squash and open-water swimming; some of the names will be familiar, like Nicola Adams and Simone Biles, others probably less so, but all their stories are inspiring as are the individual quotes included.
I particularly like that of Jamaican track star Novlene Hilaire Williams-Mills, who overcame breast cancer to win a silver medal in the Rio Olympic games, “I can’t spend time stressing about something I don’t have, and just embrace what I do have.” Even if sport isn’t your passion, this book shows just what’s possible if you stay true to your dreams and believe in yourself.
Run Like A Girl 50 Extraordinary and Inspiring Sportswomen Synopsis
If you’ve ever heard the words “You run like a girl!” then it’s time to smile and put your game face on. Stand tall and be proud because they’re right. You can be strong, brave, fierce, ambitious, resilient and tough… you be all these things and be them LIKE A GIRL.
All over the world, there are female athletes breaking barriers, pushing limits and achieving amazing things, but where did their journeys begin? And what challenges did they have to overcome to get where they are today? This revised and updated version of Run Like a Girl presents 50 inspirational biographies of the world’s top female athletes., from boxing superstar Nicola Adams to record-breaking yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and fearless mountain biker Rachel Atherton. This revised edition for the Olympics 2024 includes new additions Keely Hodgkinson, Mary Earps, Emma Wilson, Katerina Johnson-Thompson and Jade Jones.
There are so many amazing women around the world, shattering records and breaking through barriers. Every day they show talent, tenacity, and tireless commitment, redefining outdated stereotypes and delivery some breath taking performances. Author Danielle Brown is a woman who has overcome her own challenges and adversity to become a double Paralympic gold medallist and five-time World Champion in archery and it’s her current mission to inspire and empower people to unlock their potential, overcome adversity and achieve more.
In this book Danielle tells the stories of 50 extraordinary and inspiring sportswomen, many of whom she has interviewed. She lists their achievements accompanied with cool illustrations and it is all written for a readership of young women who can use this inspiration to fuel their own dreams. In addition to giving an insight into the influences, motivations and achievements of these women, each story reminds us that failing can teach us just as much as winning; success isn’t limited to the sports field; and ‘running like a girl’ can lead you all the way to the top. Remember there is no limit to your potential.
'How lucky it is to be told you run like a girl! This collection, written by a multi-medalist Paralympic athlete, presents 50 portraits of strong, resilient, and influential athletes from every reach of the sporting world. Each profile contains two columns of narrative information, biographical details, and a callout box with a smattering of facts; these work together to remind readers that all success comes with its share of struggle. The athletes spotlighted in this book span socio-economic levels, races, ethnicities, abilities, and ages, showing that passion and perseverance are what matter most. Most importantly, maybe, is that the collection demonstrates that small achievements are just as worthy of celebration as the big shining moments. Being an athlete encompasses many lifestyles: Some have day jobs, some have advanced educational degrees, some are ambassadors for the United Nations, and many have been given honors by the leaders of their countries. A guide to following dreams and exceeding goals.' - Kirkus
'Double Paralympic gold medallist Danielle Brown has created this fascinating collection, bringing together the stories of 50 highly successful sportswomen including boxing superstar Nicola Adams and record-breaking yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur. It’s an inspirational read.' - The Week Junior magazine
'Take 50 hugely successful sportswomen, gather all of their personal stories about breaking barriers, overcoming difficult challenges and you’ve got yourself 50 reasons WHY we should aspire to Run Like a Girl! Incredible stories to fuel your own personal dreams… maybe all the way to your own gold medal!' - Wrd About Books
'The compilation of motivational stories is enhanced by stylish design and contemporary artwork. Ideal to empower girls with an interest in sport, it has even broader appeal and is sure to inspire any young person to follow their dreams, redefine stereotypes and never give up.' - BookTrust
'The stories are varied, life-affirming and inspirational. The message is that you can succeed if you put enough effort in – a philosophy that does not just apply to sport but to other disciplines as well. I think this book would be a popular choice for a class or school library.' - Lee Giddings,The School Librarian
'Run like a Girl is a fantastic book featuring the fascinating and inspirational achievements of 50 amazing sportswomen. Each phenomenal female gets a double page spread (beautifully stylish with bold, colourful illustrations) that celebrates their successes, strengths and also their personal struggles. ...There is a rousing and powerful opening section to the book that empowers the reader from the start ; 'You're strong and brave and fierce. Like a girl'. This is a book that promotes women harnessing their passions and pushing through obstacles to achieve their goals. ...Run Like A Girl is a great book with fabulous influential women that are lighting up the sports' world and are standing as huge talents to emulate and admire.' - Reading Zone
'Run Like a Girl is a collection of fascinating biographical stories… Accompanied with cool illustrations, it is all written for a readership of young women who can use this inspiration to fuel their own dreams. In addition to giving an insight into the influences, motivations and achievements of these women, each story reminds us that failing can teach us just as much as winning. Success isn’t limited to the sports field and ‘running like a girl’ can lead you all the way to the top.' - Primary Times South London
'Exactly as an anthology about iconic figures should be, this one features disabled and non-disabled folx with equity, with excellent LGBTQA+ representation and women from all over the world. Importantly, it raises the question of how one tackles adversity and setbacks, with examples of amazing growth mindset and the idea that ‘practice makes progress’.' - @thelittleliterarysociety
'Run Like a Girl features 50 extraordinary athletes of all abilities, races, and cultures. Admittedly I do love that it is not only US athletes like so many books on the North American market - and features athletes in all sports from Syria to the UK to Brazil and beyond. There is also considerable attention to detail in including Disabled athletes every few pages, which takes away the othering tokenization I am so unfortunately accustomed to seeing in similar anthologies of athletes.' - @inclusivestorytime
'A fantastic celebration of amazing female athletes from across the world who have overcome barriers, experienced failure and success, broken records and made remarkable achievements in different sports. This book is inspiring for young women who have a dream and want to fight for it to become a reality. Read about female athletes who are passionate, motivated, strong and positive - something many of us aspire to be. Discover their stories and backgrounds as well as their facts and achievements. These women are extremely inspirational even if you are not a keen sportsperson yourself. A wonderful book that is definitely one to be shared and discussed.' - @homeplaylearn
'No matter the sporting interest of the young reader, they’ll likely find it represented in this inspiring book that is essentially all about following your dreams and exceeding expectations and goals. With the Olympics just over and Paris 2024 to look forward to, youngsters can browse the narrative information and biographical details of the spotlighted women herein. Never say never…' - Red Reading Hub
'This book introduces children to so many different sports and the brilliant athletes that compete and work hard to accomplish BIG goals. Each one shares a quote that inspire and empower readers to be comfortable in their skin and not give up even when situations seem impossible.' - @myliteracyspace
Author
About Danielle Brown
Danielle Brown MBE is a double Paralympic gold medallist and five-time World Champion in archery. She was World Number 1 for her entire career and made history when she became the first disabled person to represent England and win gold as an able-bodied athlete at the Commonwealth Games. Danielle now works as a professional speaker and trainer, specialising in self-development and success skills. She has worked in the education sector for over a decade, inspiring over 30,000 students through her programmes and has co-authored a GCSE Study Skills guide. She is the co-author of the book Be Your Best Self (shortlisted for The Telegraph Children’s Sports Book of the Year 2020) and the author of Run Like A Girl (winner of the children’s category of The Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 2022. Danielle is based in Shropshire in the West Midlands.
