Published by American Girl Publishing
No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without
written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles
and reviews.
Editorial Development: Darcie Johnston
Art Direction and Design: Sarah Jane Boecher
Illustrations: Brenna Hansen
Production: Jeannette Bailey, Caryl Boyer, Kristi Lively, Cynthia Stiles
Special thanks to Kari Woodall
About the Consultant
Caroline Silby, PhD, is a nationally recognized expert on the development of young
female athletes, helping them with all aspects of their games, both physical and
mental. From Olympic gold medalists to elementary school students just beginning to
find their sport, she works with athletes at every age and level of accomplishment.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Maring, Therese Kauchak, author. | Hansen, Brenna, illustrator.
Title: Sports & fitness : how to use your body and mind to play and feel your
best / by Therese Kauchak Maring ; illustrated by Brenna Hansen, with
Caroline Silby, PhD, sport psychology.
Other titles: Sports and fitness
Description: First edition. | Middleton, Wisconsin : American Girl, [2018] |
Series: A smart girl’s guide | Audience: Ages: 10+
Identifiers: LCCN 2017018318 (print) | LCCN 2017033763 (ebook) | ISBN
9781683370734 (epub) | ISBN 9781683370628 (paperback)
Subjects: LCSH: Physical fitness for women—Juvenile literature. | Exercise
for women—Juvenile literature. | Sports for girls—Juvenile literature.
Classification: LCC GV482 (ebook) | LCC GV482 .M365 2018 (print) | DDC
613.7/045—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017018318
This book is not intended to replace the advice of or treatment by physicians,
psychologists, or other health-care, sports, or fitness professionals. It should be
considered an additional resource only. Questions and concerns about physical or
mental health should always be discussed with a doctor or other health-care provider.
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ainsi que les marques et designs y afférents appartiennent à American Girl. MADE IN CHINA. HECHO EN
CHINA. FABRIQUÉ EN CHINE. Retain this address for future reference: American Girl, 8400 Fairway Place,
Middleton, WI 53562, U.S.A. Importado y distribuido por A.G. México Retail, S. de R.L. de C.V., Miguel
de Cervantes Saavedra No. 193 Pisos 10 y 11, Col. Granada, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, C.P. 11520 Ciudad de
México. Conserver ces informations pour s’y référer en cas de besoin. American Girl Canada, 8400 Fairway
Place, Middleton, WI 53562, U.S.A. Manufactured for and imported into the EU by: Mattel Europa B.V.,
Gondel 1, 1186 MJ Amstelveen, Nederland.
Dear Reader,
From the time you were little you’ve been playing. After
you took your first steps, you figured out how to run. As
you got older, you learned how to roll a ball, ride a bike,
do a cartwheel. You made the amazing discovery that if
you tried, your body could do new things, learn new skills.
One day, you were old enough to play organized sports!
Soccer, T-ball, karate, dance—moving your body was still
fun, even if it was a little more complicated. There were
rules, harder skills, teammates, and coaches to figure out.
By now, you’ve grown and can do things you’d never have
thought possible a few years ago. There may be a sport (or
two) that makes you feel special and strong—or that fills
you with joy. At your age, sports aren’t quite as simple as
they used to be, but if your brain and your body are pre-
pared, they can be just as fun.
This book shows you how to be the best athlete you can
be, in both body and mind. You’ll find ways to keep your
body strong and learn skills that can help you improve, no
matter what sport you play. You’ll learn how to harness
your brainpower to deal with nerves—or anything else
that gets in your way. You’ll also get expert advice to help
you do and be your best in tough situations.
Being fit feels good, and it’s good for you—whether you
play an organized sport or do something solo, whether you
play casually or seriously. We hope that by the final pages
of this book, you’re eager to keep on playing, trying new
things, and having fun!
Are you ready? Let’s play!
Your friends at American Girl
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