Books About Olympic Athletes

The Best Olympic Athletes Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about olympic athletes? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Fearless Heart
The Shortlist

Our 9 Favorite Books About Olympic Athletes

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$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Fearless Heart

By Frank Murphy, Surya Bonaly, Anastasia Magloire Williams (Illustrator)

A young girl born in Nice, France, rises through the world of competitive figure skating, defying expectations and fighting for recognition on her own terms.

32 pages· 1,312 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 133 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Summary: Surya Bonaly, a dynamic figure skater from France, challenges conventions with her vibrant routines and bold moves. Despite doubts about her place on the podium, her fearless spirit drives her to redefine what a champion looks like. At the 1998 Olympics, she performs an iconic backflip, cementing her legacy. Discover a story of courage and self-expression on the ice.
Chapter Book · 2024

Usain Bolt

Discover the journey of a boy who became the fastest man alive.

32 pages· 538 words
4.3/5 Goodreads · 158 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Usain Bolt, a young boy from Jamaica, dazzled the world with his extraordinary speed. From a rural town to Olympic glory, his journey is a testament to dreams realized. As he shattered records, Usain faced immense pressure and challenges, yet his determination never wavered. How did he become the fastest man on Earth? Dive into his inspiring story and uncover the secrets behind his legendary achievements. This tale of perseverance and triumph encourages young dreamers to believe in the power of their aspirations, no matter the odds.
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2010

Unbroken

A crash survivor faces the vast Pacific, battling nature and enemy forces in a fight for survival.

320 pages· 132,206 words· Est. 12.5 hour read
4.5/5 Goodreads · 8,127 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Summary: Louis Zamperini, a former Olympian turned airman, crashes into the Pacific during WWII. Stranded on a raft, he confronts sharks, starvation, and enemy threats. As he drifts into the unknown, his resilience and ingenuity are tested. Will his spirit endure against insurmountable odds, or will he succumb to the ocean's perils? This gripping tale of survival explores the limits of human endurance and the power of hope.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

On the Field with... Mia Hamm

Discover the journey of a soccer legend who defied odds and inspired millions.

128 pages· 26,987 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 125 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Summary: Mia Hamm's journey from an unknown athlete to a soccer legend is marked by her fierce determination and unmatched skill. Leading the University of North Carolina to four NCAA championships and the U.S. team to World Cup victories, her story reaches a pinnacle at the 1996 Olympics. Despite a painful ankle injury, her performance captivated a global audience, securing her place as a hero to countless fans. This biography delves into the life of a woman who changed the face of soccer, leaving readers inspired by her relentless pursuit of excellence and her impact on the sport.
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

I Got This

A young gymnast's journey from Olympic gold to reality TV stardom.

231 pages· 31,851 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,151 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: At sixteen, Laurie Hernandez's life transformed as she joined the 2016 US Olympic gymnastics team, winning gold and silver in Rio. Known as the 'Human Emoji,' she captivated audiences on Dancing with the Stars, becoming the youngest Mirrorball Trophy winner. Her story reveals the dreams, sacrifices, and triumphs behind her rise to fame. Discover the heartwarming journey of a Latina Jersey girl who danced her way into America's heart.
Picture Book · Ages 9–12 · 2010

Basketball

Relive basketball's iconic moments and uncover thrilling facts.

32 pages· 5,536 words· Est. 43 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 12 ratings
$28.55Save 5%
Summary: From Michael Jordan's game-winning shot to Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point feat, explore the unforgettable moments and legendary players that have defined basketball history. What other thrilling stories await?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

The Best NBA Shooters of All Time

Discover the legendary feats of basketball's greatest players.

64 pages· 4,384 words· Est. 37 min read
3.7/5 Goodreads · 3 ratings
$37.07Save 5%
Summary: Step onto the court with basketball legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Explore their unforgettable moments and unmatched skills that define the NBA's history. Dive into spotlight stats and captivating stories that celebrate these hardwood heroes. Will their legacies inspire the next generation of champions?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Wings of an Eagle

An orphan's dream defies odds to reach Olympic glory.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2025)
48 pages· 1,545 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 184 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Billy Mills, once an orphan on the Pine Ridge Reservation, faces poverty and racism in his quest for Olympic gold. Guided by his father's wisdom and inspired by his ancestors, Billy battles through adversity, transforming broken wings into a soaring triumph at the 1964 Olympics. Will his dream heal the wounds of his past?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Who Is Michael Phelps?

Discover how a spirited boy became an Olympic legend and health advocate.

112 pages· 8,324 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 125 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Dive into the journey of Michael Phelps, a high-energy boy from Baltimore who transformed into the world's greatest swimmer. Starting at age seven, his passion for swimming led to an astonishing 28 Olympic medals. Beyond the pool, Michael champions mental and physical health, founding an organization for water safety and healthy living. Explore his inspiring legacy in this engaging biography.
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