The Best Olympics Books for Kids

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$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021

Sakamoto's Swim Club

By Julie Abery, Chris Sasaki (Illustrator)

A teacher transforms plantation kids into Olympic swimmers using innovative techniques.

40 pages· 165 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 492 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In 1930s Maui, science teacher Soichi Sakamoto turns irrigation ditches into training grounds, coaching plantation children to Olympic glory. Can his unique methods and their determination defy the odds?

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$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Dream Big

By Deloris Jordan, Barry Root (Illustrator)

A young dreamer aims for Olympic gold with perseverance.

32 pages· 896 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 236 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Before becoming a basketball legend, young Michael Jordan dreamed of Olympic gold. This heartwarming tale, penned by his mother, reveals his childhood journey of dedication and values. Will his dreams soar?

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$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

Florence Griffith Joyner

By Rita Williams-Garcia, Chelsea Clinton, Alexandra Boiger (Illustrator), Gillian Flint (Illustrator) · She Persisted series

Discover how the fastest woman overcame challenges to make history.

80 pages· 5,156 words· Est. 58 min read

5.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 160 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Florence Griffith Joyner, known as Flo Jo, shattered records to become the fastest woman ever. But her journey was fraught with obstacles. Dive into her inspiring story of perseverance and triumph, and learn how she defied the odds to achieve Olympic glory. This engaging biography invites young readers to explore Flo Jo's incredible legacy and find inspiration in her relentless pursuit of dreams. What challenges did she face, and how did she overcome them? Uncover the answers and be inspired to make a difference in your own life.

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$674

Chapter Book · 1996

Dominique Moceanu

By Dominique Moceanu, Steve Woodward

A teenage gymnast tells her own story of the long road to the Olympic team.

128 pages

3.7 Goodreads · 262 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Gymnast Dominique Moceanu tells her own story, as told to Steve Woodward, of the training and competitions that took her onto the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team as a teenager. The book includes an introduction by her coach, Bela Karolyi.

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$1498

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Legends of Women's Gymnastics

By Andrea Joyce

From Cold War pioneers to today's superstars, meet the women who reshaped gymnastics.

64 pages

4.5 Goodreads · 8 ratings

$15.95Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twenty-eight gymnastics champions get a profile each, from Olga Korbut and Nadia Comaneci, whose daring routines changed the sport, to Shannon Miller and the 1996 Magnificent Seven, to Simone Biles and Suni Lee today. Color photographs capture each athlete in action.

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$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2006

For the Love of Gymnastics

By Arlene Worsley · For the Love of Sports series

What does it take to flip, balance and soar like an Olympic gymnast?

24 pages· 2,383 words· Est. 16 min read

5.0 Goodreads · 1 ratings

$10.95Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: An introduction to gymnastics for young readers: where the sport came from, its events and equipment, the skills and training it takes, and some of the athletes who made it famous.

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$574

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2026

Who Is Ilona Maher?

By Ellen Labrecque, Who HQ, Gregory Copeland (Illustrator) · Who HQ Now series

A girl from Vermont discovers rugby late and becomes an Olympic star.

56 pages

4.0 Goodreads · 20 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Ilona Maher played basketball, softball and field hockey with her sisters in Vermont, but didn't try rugby until her senior year of high school. This biography follows her to college championships, the Tokyo and Paris Olympics and a bronze medal, and her social media posts championing body positivity and women in sports.

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$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Who Is Shaun White?

By Shawn Pryor, Who HQ, Andrew Thomson (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

Discover the thrilling journey of a snowboarding legend from childhood to Olympic glory.

112 pages· 7,973 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.0 Goodreads · 49 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Follow Shaun White, the snowboarding prodigy known as 'The Flying Tomato,' from his early sponsorship at age seven to Olympic triumphs. Explore his relentless pursuit of excellence, his dazzling performances at the Winter X Games, and his journey to creating his own brand. What drives this iconic athlete, and how did he become a legend in the snowboarding world? Dive into the life of a sports icon who has captivated audiences with his daring feats and vibrant personality.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

Who Was Jim Thorpe?

By James Buckley Jr., Who HQ, Stephen Marchesi (Illustrator) · Who Was . . . ? series

The story of the life of Jim Thorpe, a legendary athlete and Olympic champion.

112 pages· 8,828 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 123 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Jim Thorpe, born in 1887 Oklahoma, shattered barriers as the first Native American to win Olympic gold for the U.S. Excelling in football, baseball, and track, his legacy transcends sports. Despite personal struggles, Thorpe's story is one of resilience and triumph. How did he navigate the challenges of his era to become an enduring icon? Explore the life of a trailblazer who changed the face of athletics forever.

The Best Olympics Books for Kids

Our 9 Favorite Books About Olympics

Sakamoto's Swim Club

Dream Big

Florence Griffith Joyner

Dominique Moceanu

Legends of Women's Gymnastics

For the Love of Gymnastics

Who Is Ilona Maher?

Who Is Shaun White?

Who Was Jim Thorpe?

Great books, picked for their age.