Play Like a Girl: How a Soccer School in Kenya's Slums Started a Revolution

Abdul Kassim was disturbed by the gender inequality he observed in his community and started a girl's soccer club with a dream of creating an environment in which girls could feel safe and supported. While the club had a positive impact, Abdul soon realized that it was not enough and expanded his vision to include a free school for girls, Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA). The story follows along as the school grows from one classroom in 2006 to the present day when more than 130 girls are offered a secondary education annually. While the story is inspiring, the title and cover art of the audiobook are a bit misleading. Soccer was the spark that ignited hope in these girls, however, education is the heart of the story. There is little about the sport after the first few chapters, with soccer more a metaphor for their struggles off the field. Narrator Katherine Fenton does a nice job of conveying the amazing optimism of the girls despite the hardships of their surroundings.