Books About The Olympics · 64 titles considered

The Best The Olympics Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about the olympics? 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.

War Games
Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About The Olympics

Sale price
$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 · 489 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?
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 · 235 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?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1996

Wilma Unlimited

By Kathleen Krull, David Diaz (Illustrator)

A runner defies polio to win Olympic gold.

Jane Addams Children's Book Award (1997)
44 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,251 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Wilma Rudolph, once paralyzed by polio, defies all odds to become a trailblazing Olympic champion. Her journey from a determined child to a record-breaking athlete raises the question: How far can sheer willpower take you?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

War Games

An Olympic gymnast uncovers a dark secret in 1936 Berlin, risking everything to thwart a sinister plot.

368 pages· 68,845 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,635 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In 1936 Berlin, young gymnast Evie Harris is thrilled to compete in the Olympics. But beneath the spectacle, she uncovers a chilling secret: the Nazis' grip on the city is tightening. As war looms, Evie is drawn into a daring plot to steal Nazi gold. Navigating treacherous alliances and hidden dangers, she must decide between her Olympic dreams and confronting evil. With her family's future at stake, can Evie outmaneuver the shadows before time runs out?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2021

The Story of Simone Biles

From Texas to Olympic gold, discover Simone Biles' journey.

66 pages
4.5/5 Goodreads · 195 ratings
$10.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Simone Biles, once a spirited child in Texas, dreamed of gymnastics glory. Through relentless training and sacrifice, she became the most decorated gymnast in history. This inspiring tale reveals how her achievements have paved the way for female athletes worldwide. How did Simone's determination shape her legacy, and what can young readers learn from her journey?
Chapter Book · Ages 11–17 · 2017

Women in Sports

Discover the untold stories of fifty trailblazing female athletes who broke barriers and redefined sports history.

128 pages· 27,444 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 947 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the inspiring journeys of fifty pioneering women athletes who shattered records and defied expectations. From tennis legend Billie Jean King to baseball trailblazer Toni Stone, these profiles reveal the courage and determination behind their groundbreaking achievements. With vivid illustrations and insightful infographics, this book delves into the challenges faced by these fearless women, offering a timeline of their impact on sports history. Uncover the stories of both famous and unsung heroines who paved the way for future generations, celebrating their indomitable spirit and the legacy they left behind.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2016

What Are the Summer Olympics?

The Summer Olympics are a global sporting event where athletes from around the world compete in various events.

112 pages· 8,253 words· Est. 1 hour read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 398 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Journey from 775 BC to the present as athletes from around the world compete for glory in the Olympic Games. Explore how this ancient tradition was revived in 1896 and has grown into a global spectacle, uniting nations and inspiring billions. What drives these athletes to push beyond limits, and how do the Games continue to evolve? Dive into the rich history and thrilling present of the world's greatest sporting event.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The Girl Games

Girls create their own games, facing chaos and competition.

320 pages· 38,367 words· Est. 5.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,696 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis are tired of being excluded from the boys-only Olympic Games. Their solution? The Girl Games! As they strive to make their dream a reality, they encounter chaos, fierce competition, and unexpected challenges. Will their determination be enough to overcome the obstacles and prove their worth? Dive into this spirited adventure told from multiple perspectives, where friendship and rivalry collide in a quest for equality.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

A Sporting Chance

By Lori Alexander, Allan Drummond (Illustrator)

Discover the origins of the Paralympics and the man who changed lives through sports.

128 pages· 10,602 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 275 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Ludwig Guttmann, a visionary doctor who defied the odds to transform the lives of paraplegics. Believing in the power of movement, he pioneered the Paralympic Games, proving that sports can heal and inspire. Through captivating narratives and vibrant illustrations, explore the journey of athletes who found hope and strength in Guttmann's groundbreaking vision. What challenges did he face, and how did his legacy shape the world? This compelling story reveals the triumph of human spirit and the birth of a global movement.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Proud

A fencer breaks barriers, defying odds to achieve Olympic glory.

304 pages· 61,632 words· Est. 8.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 710 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Ibtihaj Muhammad, an African American Muslim, defies expectations in the world of fencing, a sport dominated by affluent white athletes. Facing prejudice and doubt, she perseveres, becoming the first American to compete in a hijab at the Olympics and winning a medal. Her journey from a New Jersey outsider to an international icon is a testament to faith, family, and resilience. Discover how she overcame obstacles to achieve her dreams and inspire others in this powerful narrative of determination and triumph.
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The Olympics Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about the olympics for preschool and elementary-age readers.

How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals

Ages 4–8 · 2009

Discover the secrets behind winning eight Olympic golds.

Tacky and the Winter Games

Ages 4–7 · 2005

Can Tacky's antics lead Team Nice Icy Land to Winter Games glory or disaster?

Max and Marla

Ages 3–5 · 2015

Two friends face sledding challenges, discovering joy in friendship over victory.

Touch the Sky

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A young girl defies odds to become an Olympic champion.

Nadia

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young gymnast's journey from small-town Romania to Olympic history.

Long-Armed Ludy and the First Women's Olympics

Ages 6–9 · 2017

An athlete's Olympic dream hinges on community support and determination.

The Mud Flat Olympics

Ages 5–8 · 1994

Animals compete in quirky games, but win or lose, there's always a picnic.

A Picture Book of Jesse Owens

Ages 4–8 · 1992

Defy prejudice and break records at the 1936 Olympics.

Unbeatable Betty

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A plane crash can't stop her Olympic dreams. Will she run again?

Backyard Olympics

Ages 3–6 · 2016

Backyard games teach Caillou that fun matters more than winning.

The Wildest Race Ever

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A chaotic 1904 Olympic marathon with unexpected twists and unlikely competitors.

She's Got This

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A young girl learns to navigate the challenges of gymnastics and perseverance after a fall.

View all the olympics picture books
Browse by age

The Olympics Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about the olympics for developing and independent readers.

Gabby Douglas

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A gymnast's relentless journey to Olympic gold defies all odds.

Who Was Jesse Owens?

Ages 8–12 · 2015

A sharecropper's son defies odds, challenging racial supremacy at the 1936 Olympics.

Courage to Soar

Ages 13–17 · 2016

A gymnast's journey from foster care to Olympic glory, fueled by faith and perseverance.

#10 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

Geronimo Stilton Saves the Olympics

Ages 7–10 · 2012

Time-traveling cats aim to cheat at the first Olympics. Can history be saved?

Geronimo and the Gold Medal Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 2008

A reluctant mouse faces Olympic chaos in New Mouse City.

Ancient Greece and the Olympics

Ages 7–10 · 2004

Uncover ancient Olympic secrets with Jack and Annie's fact-finding adventure.

Samantha the Swimming Fairy

Ages 7–9 · 2008

Magic goggles vanish, causing chaos at the town pool.

Sale price
$499

Stacey the Soccer Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2010

Magic items stolen, Fairy Olympics in chaos. Can they be recovered in time?

Unstoppable

Ages 6–10 · 2018

A 1912 football game tests skill, strategy, and legacy.

Hour of the Olympics

Ages 6–9 · 1998

Two siblings travel back in time to ancient Greece and find themselves in the middle of the Olympic Games, where they must retrieve a lost story and face the challenges of a society where girls are not allowed to participate in public life.

Scholastic Year in Sports 2020

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Discover the year's top sports moments and athletes in this action-packed guide.

Jesse Owens

Ages 8–12 · 2020

An athlete defies a dictator's vision at the 1936 Olympics.

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Books about swimming

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