The Summer Olympics are coming up soon. I love the Olympics. There are definitely negative things about it, but I love the competition, the team spirit, the world coming together for something. Below is a list of books from general picture books about the Olympics to more specific books about sports and athletes that we love. As with all things, there is a book about everything and I love to find them!
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General Olympic Picture Books
Ready, Set, Go! Sports of All Sorts
by Celeste Cortright
illustrated by Christiane Engel
An upbeat celebration of sports. With bright, colorful illustrations and cheerful, rhyming text, READY SET GO introduces a wide variety of sports and encourages kids to give them a try. There are just enough facts woven into the lines to keep it highly readable while still offering kids information. It is reinforced by a box on each sport in the back of the book. You’ll close this book feeling inspired to get out and try a new sport.
Olympig! The Triumphant Story of an Underdog
by Victoria Jamieson
This is a fun read aloud picture book about a pig training for an Olympics. It’s about getting back up when you lose. It’s encouraging and hilarious. This is a great one for preschoolers
History of the Olympics
You Wouldn’t Want to be a Greek Athlete!
written by Michael Ford
illustrated by David Antram
We like this series. It is a playful look at the less glowing parts of history. In this case, it’s the Athens Olympics. The facts are interesting, but it’s all told in a humorous tone that kids enjoy.
The Wildest Race Ever: The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
by Meghan McCarthy
Set in 1904 during the St. Louis Olympics, the first held in the USA. It’s the wacky, inspiring story of the marathon. It personalizes the athletes and focuses on perseverance and sportsmanship. The text is slightly more dense, so I recommend this one for 5 year olds and up.
Olympic Athletes
Nadia the Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still
by Karlin Gray
illustrated by Christine Davenier
I love this book because I’m a huge gymnastics fan, but more importantly because I have a little girl who cannot sit still. I am forever hearing stereotypes about boys who are active and I love that this book shows an example of not only a fidgety girl but how that turned into a wonderful thing.
Dream Big: Michael Jordan and the Pursuit of Olympic Gold
by Deloris Jordan
illustrated by Barry Root
Written by Michael Jordan’s mom, this offers an inside look at the childhood of this incredible athlete. It talks about his who career to some extent, but also about his childhood dream of becoming an Olympic gold medalist and how he got there.
How to Train with a T. Rex and Win 8 Gold Medals
by Michael Phelps with Alan Abrahamson
illustrated by Ward Jenkins
Another great read aloud, this is a playful look at the intense work that goes into becoming an Olympic athlete. Written by Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, this speaks to the work ethic of an athlete. This one works well as a read aloud. My kids find it absolutely hilarious.
She Persisted in Sports
by Chelsea Clinton
illustrated by Alexandra Boiger
There are several collections in this series. They all share stories of strong women from around the world. This one is all about female, American athletes. They are stories about women who helped to change the face of their sport. Lots of perseverance, hard work and spirited women role models.
Sisters: Venus & Serena Williams
by Jeanette Winter
There are a lot of books about Venus and Serena, a lot of good ones in fact. This is one of my favorites. It follows the girls from learning tennis in Compton, California to adulthood. I love Winter’s illustrations and voice as she tells this inspiring story.
Flying High: The Story of Gymnastic Champion Simone Biles
by Michelle Meadows
illustrated by Ebony Glenn
I love watching gymnastics. You better believe I’ll be watching every moment of this year’s competition. Simone Biles is easily the best gymnast in the world and she is truly amazing to watch. It isn’t just how talented and strong she is, but how hard she works, despite being better than everyone around her. This is her story.
Olympic Books for Older Kids
Hour of the Olympics & Ancient Greece and the Olympics
by Mary Pope Osborne
This is part of the Magic Tree House series. Set in Ancient Greece during the Olympics, this is a fun one to transport you through history to the origins of the Olympics. The second one is the nonfiction companion that gives you way more background and information about the setting of the original Olympics.
Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win
written & illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky
This is a collection of illustrated profiles about women who were leaders in their sports. It is not solely about the Olympics or Olympians, but they are included in many of the stories. Despite not being Olympics focused, I love this one for older girls. It’s a collection of inspiring women who fought to do the thing they love.
What are the Summer Olympics?
by Gail Herman
We love this series. The information is interested, condensed, and highly readable. This one talks about the history of the Olympics but also moves into more modern Olympic games.
