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.

The Shortlist

Our 9 Favorite Books About Olympic Athletes

Fearless Heart
Sale price
$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 Goodreads · 133 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Usain Bolt
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · 2024

Usain Bolt

By SANCHEZ VEGARA ISABE · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

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

32 pages· 538 words
4.3 Goodreads · 170 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
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.
Unbroken
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2010

Unbroken

By Laura Hillenbrand

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 Goodreads · 8,275 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
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.
On the Field with... Mia Hamm
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1998

On the Field with... Mia Hamm

By Matt Christopher, Glenn Stout, The #1 Sports Writer for Kids (Illustrator) · On the Field With . . . series

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

128 pages· 26,987 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 125 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
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.
I Got This
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2017

I Got This

By Laurie Hernandez

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

231 pages· 31,851 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 2,159 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
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.
Basketball
Sale price
$2712
Picture Book · Ages 9–12 · 2011

Basketball

By Blaine Wiseman, Aaron Carr · The Greatest Players series

Relive basketball's iconic moments and uncover thrilling facts.

32 pages· 5,536 words· Est. 43 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 12 ratings
$28.55Save 5%
Library Binding
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?
The Best NBA Shooters of All Time
Sale price
$3522
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2014

The Best NBA Shooters of All Time

By Barry Wilner · NBA's Best Ever series

Discover the legendary feats of basketball's greatest players.

64 pages· 4,384 words· Est. 37 min read
3.7 Goodreads · 3 ratings
$37.07Save 5%
Library Binding
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?
Wings of an Eagle
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Wings of an Eagle

By Billy Mills, Donna Janell Bowman, S.D. Nelson (Illustrator)

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 Goodreads · 188 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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?
Who Is Michael Phelps?
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Who Is Michael Phelps?

By Micah Hecht, Who HQ, Manuel Gutiérrez (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

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

112 pages· 8,324 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 128 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
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.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door every month.

BoardAges 0–3PictureAges 3–6Junior ChapterAges 7–10Middle GradeAges 9–12
Books from a Bookroo book club in their box